‘Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness!’ These are astounding and inspiring words from the rarely sung chorus of the Christmas hymn in our Lutheran Hymnal and Supplement (LHS) 32, written by 17th-century hymnwriter Christian Keymann.

by Reid Matthias

Who was John the Baptist? Just a Grizzly Adams-type mountain man wearing a camel’s hair tunic and eating grasshoppers dipped in honey? Pastor Reid Matthias reflects on the unorthodox life of this desert wanderer, whose role was to ‘go on before the Lord to prepare a way for him’.

Pray for the millions of Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities on the International Day of People with Disability (3 Dec).

by Maria Rudolph

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).

The Church Year readings for 2025 are now available.

by Maria Rudolph

You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:3).