Tag Archives: christmas

What happens when we consciously imagine ourselves as part of the Christmas story? It helps us recognise Christ as he dwells among us today, writes Rev Dona Spencer. Whilst Christmas is a time when we remind ourselves that Jesus came as a baby, the challenge for me as a minister and as an artist is to make real the truth ...

There’s no doubt Christmas is a wondrous time for children, but for adults the stress and frenzy can detract from enjoying the time together. Rev Paul Clark gives some tips on how to recapture the joy this Christmas by engaging your inner child. Plan fun family time Throw some water balloons or board games into the Christmas stocking—and ensure you ...

Christmas marks the time God physically became part of the human story. What does it actually mean to live out the spirit of Christmas? Rohan Salmond explores. Gleaming light softly illuminates a huddle of people gathered around a sleeping baby as he lies nestled in a small box of yellow straw. Three bearded men in crowns and turbans and a ...

When the joy of Advent seems to mock the darkness in our hearts, Blue Christmas is a reminder that the light of God still illuminates the path. Dianne Jensen talks to Rev David MacGregor. Like every congregation, the people at Wellers Hill–Tarragindi Uniting Church, Brisbane have experienced their share of grief and struggle during the year. Some will take the ...

The December 2015 edition of Journey is now available. Re-emphasising Christmas It feels good to get to the holiday season; after a long year it’s time to take a break over Christmas and New Year. You did a good job. Good on you—you deserve it. It’s a privilege that as Christians we are given time off to observe Christmas. You’ll get Christmas ...

Traditional Christmas celebrations complete with nativity scenes and religious carols might be too much for people used to an increasingly-secular Christmas, so Maleny Uniting Church is using the humble Christmas tree to bridge the gap between church and the wider community. Rohan Salmond reports. Christmas time is a great opportunity to share the love and hope of Jesus with people ...

Here we go again, Christmas is coming. Families looking at their budgets, kids looking at catalogues, grandparents looking at new opportunities for indulgence. Some people are looking at options to help them just survive it. Retail stores are looking for the boost that they’ve already accounted for to get to the year’s projected sales. One of the issues for ministers ...

We all know that you should never work with children or animals, yet the annual nativity play is a cherished tradition in which church communities across Australia re-enact a story precious to our faith. Journey staff present the following tips to ensure that your nativity play is an angelic experience. Apocalypse now Much wailing and gnashing of teeth is caused ...

Christmas is a time both joy and grief are felt very deeply. Danielle Stott explores how refuge can be found at Christmas, even during the difficult times. It was a sight to behold. My friend had converted her house into a Christmas wonderland. Mini elfs and singing reindeer and tinsel adorned every inch of her property. A sea of presents almost engulfed ...

Most of us know the feeling of relief finding a car park brings after driving around and around for what feels like forever during the Christmas shopping spree. The Synod Christmas postcard theme this year is Find refuge this Christmas, and at its best, this is what coming to church feels like—finally, a space for me!—especially if other places have ...