Christmas is a feast of joy and love even if numerous things can cloud this joy. For Christians, however, there is always a reason to celebrate: namely the birth of Jesus.

The blue shelf in the background is unmistakable. This piece of furniture always appears when a new year begins, namely in the Chief Apostle’s New Year’s address. In a supporting role this time around: a piece of invisible art.

The new church year has commenced and will be ushered in with concerts and celebrations around the world. Whether virtually or live and in person—our brothers and sisters have already begun celebrating the feast of love for their neighbour.

Traditionally, we can be certain that the fourth candle on the Advent wreath is always lit after the third one. And just as certain are the YouTube services being offered by the various districts. Here are the links for this Sunday.

Those who experience their faith as a gift want to share and communicate that. But an invitation is only the first step. Intercession always goes a little further. How? This is described in a divine service by the Chief Apostle.

Three years and 66 parts later… The series on the sacraments has given us a lot of food for thought on theology and history in general and on New Apostolic specialties in particular. As a final instalment, here is an overview with dozens of links.

From Togo to Austria and back. Laura Johanna Fischer lives in two worlds. Several times a year, the 27-year-old travels to the African continent to advance her heart’s project there. This is still a tender plant and needs a lot of care.

This Sunday we will light another candle on the Advent wreath as we turn our attention more and more to Christmas. Even so, not all feel comfortable enough yet to join the in-person services in their local congregation.

God as an author of books? A many-sided image from the Bible: the Chief Apostle took out four very different volumes from the library of the Holy Scriptures and deciphered their code in a divine service recently.

The new man has already demonstrated leadership qualities: both in the Church and in his working life. He also has pastoral qualities. This is what companions say. They are convinced: the New Apostolic Church Western Germany can look forward to its District Apostle Helper.

One hundred years ago today, Apostle Sadrach is believed to have retired. This is not verified information though. What we do know is that the Europeans at the time were a little suspicious of the Javanese Apostle, and today we cannot say with certainty whether he held divine services until shortly before his death in 1924 or retired on 5 December 1922.

The members of the New Apostolic Church advocate many different values and promote them in their congregation and district in various ways: for example, by doing something eco-friendly, by helping to save lives, and supporting education. And, of course, church attendance is important to them.

There are members everywhere who are doing what they can these days to ensure that divine services are transmitted via Internet and telephone. There is only one continent from which the New Apostolic Church does not transmit online services.

At Christmas, Christians look back and celebrate the birth of their Saviour, Jesus Christ. But they also look ahead, full of hope in the return of Jesus. But the significance of Jesus’ birth can also be experienced in the present.

Apostle Peter Lambert, who was the head of music of the Church in South Africa for many years, will be assigned as a District Apostle Helper for the New Apostolic Church Southern Africa on Sunday, 4 December. A big task, but one that he faces with confidence in God: “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18: 27).

Overcoming evil with good, is that possible? In a recent divine service, the Chief Apostle showed how.

In many congregations, singing has resumed and so have concerts. Here is a small overview of concerts and workshops in different parts of the world, showcasing that music is a universal language that speaks to the soul.

On Sunday Christians around the world will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. A time of special lights, being together, and extraordinary emotions.