Blog

Well its August. And in the academic world that means one thing: RESULTS!! Thousands of aspiring students across the country are processing the news regarding all their hard work in May-June. Some of you reading this have gotten the results you were hoping for. Others of you may be disappointed. Some have had the joy of accepting unconditional places at uni. Others are...

It’s that time in the Student Work year when many of us are looking to release our new student leaders. We’ve spent the last term meeting them, getting to know them, discipling them and encouraging them to step up and serve. Now, whether it’s in a small group, or as a worship leader, or as part of our teams, we’re hoping...

The various prophetic declarations regarding the birth of Jesus that Luke records in his gospel are often considered minor parts of his telling of the nativity story. But it is within these words that Luke communicates the gospel most clearly. Each song or exultation is actually a Holy Spirit inspired prophecy. Each character who prophesies is filled with joy as...

The various prophetic declarations regarding the birth of Jesus that Luke records in his gospel are often considered minor parts of his telling of the nativity story. But it is within these words that Luke communicates the gospel most clearly. Each song or exultation is actually a Holy Spirit inspired prophecy. Each character who prophesies is filled with joy as...

The various prophetic declarations regarding the birth of Jesus that Luke records in his gospel are often considered minor parts of his telling of the nativity story. But it is within these words that Luke communicates the gospel most clearly. Each song or exultation is actually a Holy Spirit inspired prophecy. Each character who prophesies is also filled with joy;...

The various prophetic declarations regarding the birth of Jesus that Luke records in his gospel are often considered minor parts of his telling of the nativity story. But it is within these words that Luke communicates the gospel most clearly. Each song or exultation is actually a Holy Spirit inspired prophecy. Each character who prophesies is filled with joy as...

Well its May. And in the student world that means three things: Dissertations, deadlines and exams! Many of the amazing people I work with are currently neck deep in stress and anxiety, and spending long hours sat in isolated desks, silently reading and writing out the shape of their future. So I thought I’d quickly write about something I believe...

This is the fifth in a series of devotions based around the events of Holy Week. Read the intro to the series here.   - Scripture -  Holy Saturday is the last day in Lent. Traditionally it commemorates the day Jesus was in the grave. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb...

This is the fourth in a series of devotions based around the events of Holy Week. Read the intro to the series here.   - Scripture -  Maundy Thursday is the fourth day of Holy Week. Traditionally it commemorates the last supper and Jesus washing his disciples feet. Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command” and refers to Jesus’ command to...

This is the third in a series of devotions based around the events of Holy Week. Read the intro to the series here.   - Scripture - Holy Wednesday, otherwise known as Spy Wednesday is the third day of Holy Week and traditionally the day which marks Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and...

This is the second in a series of devotions based around the events of Holy Week. Read the intro to the series here.   - Scripture -  Holy Tuesday is the second day of Holy Week. It is traditionally marked by reading this passage of scripture.  Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple...

This is the first in a series of devotions based around the events of Holy Week. Read the intro to the series here.   - Scripture -  Holy Monday is the first day of Holy Week. It is traditionally marked by reading this passage of scripture.  The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in...

We’re coming to the end of lent. Which I’m particularly pleased about as, after 6 weeks without, I’m really quite ready for a nice glass of wine! But I’ve been grateful for this season of restraint and lack, of yearning and reflection. Its highlighted things to me not just about my relationship with alcohol but also, far more importantly, my...

The shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,...

When [the magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left...

On coming to the house, [the Magi] saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. When they had...

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all...

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he...

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.     How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,     and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy,     and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation     to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things!     He...

It's that magical time of year… Your students are bogged down in deadlines and you’re stressed up to your eyeballs with planning a million and one Christmas events. You’re desperately trying to find the festive cheer and end the term well but at the same time you can’t wait to just get the next couple of weeks out the way...

Recently my friend’s son asked him in an awed voice… “do you really get to work with Michael…!?” To the amusement of my friend, it turned out their son's misplaced reverence for me came down to one thing: “He’s so tall!” At just barely 5ft 6, this is not something that is said of me often! But while most people look...