On the road to Bethlehem

Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger
Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

“If God has made us in his image, we have returned him the favour,” states Voltaire. On Sunday, the church celebrated the feast of ‘Christ the King.’ This feast marks the end of the church year. The new year starts this coming Sunday with the first week of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation and expectation as we come close to the mystery of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, “God with us.”

Within this annual cycle, we are reminded of the fullness of God as revealed in Christ. At every point, our preconceptions are challenged. Jesus is at once the helpless, vulnerable human baby, and the holy one who defeats death and offers restoration rather than retribution.

In his earthly life, Jesus rejected the calls to become a king who would liberate the people from the Roman occupiers by force. At the same time, he subverted the ways of Empire by offering a way of peace, justice, service, and forgiveness. He pointed to the Kingdom of God using images such as banquet where all are fed. He proclaimed a king to whom all earthly rulers must ultimately give an account.

Our world today, like the time Christ entered, is at once beautiful, exciting, messy, complex, and filled with unrest. As we prepare to walk towards Bethlehem once more, the voices the of residents of Bethlehem today provide added insight into what it means to welcome the Christ child.


Getting ready for Christmas - Markovic family
Getting ready for Christmas

Introducing the ‘Advent Carols Playlist’ sung by Radford students

For those of you who like to put your tree up on the first Sunday or Advent (or before!) we’ve got a treat for you! Radford students have recorded some carols for you to listen to while you put your tree up. They are beautiful and we hope you enjoy them.

The carols playlist can be accessed here.

If you would like to send in a photo of your family getting ready for Christmas, we’ll share it in next week’s bulletin. Email your photos to chaplains@radford.act.edu.au by 29/11/21.

Thanks to all who took part in producing this playlist. It is stunning!

Radford Carols Service

On Sunday 5 December at 5pm, the Radford Carols service will be held. Our choirs are sounding magnificent. The Carols service will be streamed and the link with be available in next week’s bulletin.

Blessings to everyone, especially our Year 12 students and their families as they enter a new chapter in their lives.

Rev. Katherine

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