For our family, this week has been full of familiar end of year rituals - school prize-giving ceremonies, carol services and the like. In the church, a similar set of familiar end of year routines are playing out - we are talking about nativity plays, confirmation services and lighting advent candles. The season of advent is upon us and it feels very familiar.

In a sense though, advent should be anything but predictable. The coming into this world of the Son of God was completely unprecedented and everything changed after he came. I was talking with Felicity this week about this season of advent and she pointed out that the words advent and adventure are related - they have the same root. That's a helpful thought isnt it?

What will it take this year for you and I to be open to this very familiar season surprising us, to experiencing it as an adventure?

Speaking of adventures and new ventures, I hope you will be able to join us on Saturday morning for our Christmas Market. Thank you so much to all who have played their part in making it happen!