2016: This Advent series explored what "Being Present" meant for our contributors as we approached Christmas.
In December 2016, the Common Grace movement journeyed through Advent with 25 diverse Christians voices together exploring what "Being Present" meant for us as we approached Christmas.
Our CEO, Scott Sanders introduces our "Being Present" Advent series with a reflection from Isaiah on what it means to pursue peace during this season.
Shane Fenwick, a Case Manager with Mission Australia and postgraduate theological student, reflects on his time in Jerusalem and the importance of making space for others this Christmas.
Bella Beach, a 17 year old student at Pacific Hills Christian School, reminds us in the midst of our Christmas planning to remember God's master plan.
Cass Langton, Creative Pastor at Hillsong Church, reflects on the promise of a Just King and the calling for the Church to creatively reflect God's redemptive plan.
Jane Kennedy from UnitingWorld reflects on her recent time in Indonesia and points us to hope and anticipation in the midst of pain and suffering.
Erin Sessions, writer and lecturer at Morling Theological College, challenges us to break down walls of exclusion this Christmas.
Waka Waka woman and Common Grace's Aboriginal Spokesperson, Brooke Prentis, exchanges the bitterness of 2016 for God's hope and love this Advent, and invites us all to do likewise
Mike Gore, CEO of Open Doors Australia, invites us to be present with the persecuted church and challenges us to share the most precious gift we have.
Jacob Sarkodee from St Jude's, Melbourne and Anglican Overseas Aid reflects on the reality of God's presence during this season.
Tim Costello from World Vision Australia, reflects on how we can learn from John the Baptist, and become non-conforming heralds of an unconventional, gracious and present God.
Byron Smith - Ecological Ethicist and Anglican Assistant Minister - reflects on his battle with cancer, the fear that accompanies living in the shadow of death, and God's peace that breaks with the dawn.
Susan Sohn - Host of GetRealLive Radio and the co-host of Real Talk Radio - reflects on her year of discovering the presence of God in quietness, and the challenges that families face in the Christmas season.
Kristyn Crossfield, Director ACTU Leadership Programs and Common Grace Board Member, reflects on Mary's song from her own perspective as a mother.
Julie McCrossin - journalist, broadcaster and Elder at South Sydney Uniting Church - reflects on the women of Christmas and what we can learn about being open to the incomprehensible; emotionally engaged in the practical; and responsive to our powerful, trinitarian God.
Dr Mick Pope from Ethos explores what a first century Jewish teen girl can teach a 21st century middled aged white male.
Rachel Neary - who works in Community Development and Training at Alice Springs Women's Shelter and is a key member of Common Grace's Domestic and Family Violence Justice Team - writes about being present in the mess of life this Advent.
Good Samaritan Sister Elizabeth Delaney, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), reflects on witnessing to the love and mercy of Jesus, the Incarnate Word.
Joel Houston, Worship Leader in Hillsong UNITED and Lead Pastor at Hillsong NYC, reflects on Advent, Jesus and Batman.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist Safina Stewart, together with Brooke Prentis, contemplates the spiritual art of welcome this advent.
River Bennett & Bel Pangburn - birth photographers at 'The First Hello' - reflect on being present to the wonder of the night when Jesus was born.
Jarrod McKenna, the Teaching Pastor at Westcity Church and Co-Founder of First Home Project, reflects on the agony and the holiness of real hope this Christmas.
Father Shenouda Mansour - General Secretary for the NSW Ecumenical Council, and a Priest in the Coptic Orthodox Church - considers our common calling to live a life of grace, as Christ is born in our hearts.
Tamie Davis - a missionary in Tanzania with CMS Australia, partnering with the Tanzanian Fellowship of Evangelical students - reflects on the heartache of being away from her Aussie homeland at Christmas, and determines to be truly present in her Tanzanian community.
Kylie Beach, Common Grace's Communications Director, closes our Advent Series with a celebration of Christ's birth as good news for all. Even animals.