This page will always be as the title suggests. This section will be where I will publish thoughts and testimony, to share from the Bible and encourage.

Christmas!!!!!!

Christmas tree

Presents - given and received

Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings, even brussel sprouts!

Just a few images when we get to this time of year.

All of those images are good and enjoyable, but the most important image to those who believe in Jesus is that of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The birth of the saviour of the world. The season of Advent, which means the arrival of a person or thing.

Isaiah 9 v 6 "For a child will be born for us, and the government shall be on His shoulders. He will be name Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace"

Another image I wanted to share some thoughts about is the Advent candles.

There are five candles lit in the advent candle set. Each one represents something different. Traditionally, these are lit one per week on Sunday during Advent.

There are three blue or purple candles, one pink or rose candle and one white candle.

Advent candles are a part of Christian tradition that serve as a reminder that Jesus came as light into our dark world. These candles are usually placed in a circle around a wreath.

Candle of Hope - The first candle symbolises hope and is called the "Prophets' Candle". The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah's arrival.

Prophets knew of the hope of the coming Messiah. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. Our hope is only found in Jesus Christ. This is God's forgiveness for man. This one is a purple/blue candle.

It was anticipation of the coming of the Messiah as foretold by Isaiah.

Isaiah 7 v 4 "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign; See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name Him Immanuel!"

Candle of Faith - The second candle represents faith and is called, "Bethlehem's Candle". Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. This candle reminds us of the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.

The experience or journey of Joseph and Mary in the city of Bethlehem. The baby Jesus in the manger.

This one is purple or blue.

Luke 2 v 12 "This will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger"

Candle of Joy - The third candle symbolises joy and is called the "Shepherd's Candle". The angels announced to the shepherds in the field, "good news of great joy to all people". This candle is pink because, in Christian history, the colour rose signifies joy.

This reminds us of the joy of the birth of Christ. This one is pink or rose coloured.

Luke 2 v 8-11 "In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Saviour was born for you who is Messiah, the Lord".

Candle of Peace - The fourth candle represents peace and is called the "Angel's Candle".

The angels announced that Jesus came to bring pace - he came to bring people peace with God and with each other again.

Candle of Light and Purity (Christ's Candle)

The fifth candle is white and it represents light and purity and is called, "Christ's Candle". It represents Christ coming into the world. It is placed in the middle as a reminder of the preeminent place of Christ.