ANC Blog

I love Christmas. The lights, the gifts, the food, and the magic of the season—it all feels so special. But what makes Christmas truly magical isn’t just the traditions or even the nostalgia. It’s the way this time of year stirs something deep inside us, a longing for things to be made right. Hallmark movies and Christmas stories echo this: a spark reignited, broken relationships restored, hearts transformed. Even outside of Christian circles, the season whispers promises of hope, peace, and love.

This longing isn’t just seasonal—it’s eternal. Ecclesiastes 3:11 calls it “eternity in our hearts.” Deep down, we hope for reconciliation, forgiveness, and belonging. We want loneliness to end, relationships to heal, and peace to rule our lives. But here’s the hard truth: without the King, the promises of the kingdom fall short. The magic of Christmas morning fades, and the hope we placed in the season can leave us feeling empty and frustrated.

Yet, this longing is not misplaced. Christmas is a shadow of something real. The miracle of Jesus’ birth fulfills these hopes in a way nothing else can. In the coming of Christ, we see the evidence that we are wanted, forgiven, and offered peace. Ephesians 2:13-14 declares:

“But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. For Christ himself has brought peace to us.”

This peace is for everyone—the lawless and the weary alike. To the one who feels far from God, unsure if they could ever belong, Jesus says, “You are wanted.” To the one exhausted by striving, trying to earn love or approval, He says, “You are enough. Rest in me.”

The beauty of Advent is that it doesn’t just point to peace—it invites us to live in it. By His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bridges the gap between us and God. And when we are right with Him, we can begin to find peace with others.

So this season, let the hope of Jesus fill your heart. Whether you feel far or near, weary or uncertain, His peace is for you. He has come to break down walls, heal divisions, and make all things new. This is the true magic of Christmas: God with us, inviting us into His love and eternal peace.

You are wanted. You are forgiven. And through Jesus, you can experience the peace your heart has always longed for.

Joy and happiness are often confused, yet they couldn’t be more different. Happiness is fleeting, tied to circumstances, while joy is a profound, enduring gladness rooted in something far deeper. True joy, the kind that holds up under life’s pressures, begins with two key practices: remembrance and honest vulnerability before God.

Psalm 126 offers a guide to cultivating this kind of joy. It begins by recalling a time when God restored the fortunes of His people:
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”

The first step to joy is remembrance—actively recalling what God has done. For the Israelites, it was freedom from exile, a reminder of God’s faithfulness even when everything seemed lost. For us, it might be the ways God has carried us through personal struggles, answered prayers, or shown grace in unexpected moments.

Yet, in the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget. When was the last time you paused to reflect on what God has done for you? Take a moment today to remember. Not just the obvious blessings, but the deeper ways He’s shaped your heart, provided in your need, or drawn you closer to Him.

The second step is bringing your desires honestly before God. Psalm 126:4 says, “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev.” This prayer is raw, asking for God to pour out His renewal on a parched and weary spirit.

Many of us hesitate to bring our wants to God, feeling the need to “clean up” our requests or make them sound more spiritual. But God doesn’t want a polished version of you—He wants the real you. He already knows your heart, so why not approach Him with your true desires? Tell Him what you need. Ask for healing, growth, or provision. Lay your burdens down without fear.

Finally, the psalm reminds us that joy coexists with hardship. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Life is not free from pain, but joy takes root when we trust God’s faithfulness in the past, lay our desires before Him in the present, and hold onto the hope of future restoration.

This Christmas, the world offers cynicism. God offers joy—a joy grounded in His promise of eternal life. Embrace a rhythm of remembrance, bring your desires honestly before Him, and let gratitude carry you through. Joy is not fragile; it is a gift sustained by the One who never fails.

Ah, the Christmas season—a time when the world seems a little brighter. There’s the joy of family gatherings, the exchange of gifts, time off school or work, delicious food, and sparkling decorations. We have so much to look forward to. In the church, we also celebrate Advent, the season leading up to Christmas. Advent is a time of anticipation, when we remember the coming of Jesus Christ and prepare our hearts as we await His return. Each week of Advent highlights a gift Jesus brings us, starting with hope.

Every year, I carry the same fear into Christmas: that we’ll miss its true meaning. Amid the busyness and celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the miracle of what Jesus’ birth brings us. But Advent reminds us of this truth: because of Jesus, fear is defeated, and we have hope.

1. Hope for All People

In Luke 2:8-10, angels appeared to shepherds to announce the good news of Jesus’ birth:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Shepherds were outcasts in society, often seen as unworthy or undesirable. Yet they were the first to hear the angelic proclamation. The message of Christmas is for everyone, no matter your background or status. Jesus’ birth declares that you are loved and wanted.

The shepherds fell in fear, believing they were unworthy to stand in God’s presence. But the angel’s words weren’t about condemnation—they were about invitation. “Fear not,” the angel said. Jesus came to bring hope to *all* people, no matter who they are or where they’ve been.

2. Hope for Our Doubts

When the shepherds heard the angel’s announcement, they didn’t dismiss it—they investigated:

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15)

God isn’t afraid of your doubts or questions. In fact, the Christmas story invites us to come closer and see for ourselves. Like the shepherds, when we draw near, we discover that God is exactly who He says He is.

3. Hope That Lasts

The birth of Jesus didn’t just bring momentary joy—it brought eternal hope. Psalm 130:3-4 reminds us that God sees us completely and still offers forgiveness. Jesus’ birth began the journey to the cross, where He bore our sin and conquered death.

This Christmas, don’t look down in fear—look up in hope. Jesus’ perfect love casts out fear. He came for you, to give you peace and joy that will never fade. Let us rejoice and share this good news: Christ has come, and He is our hope!

Parenting is a sacred journey, filled with moments of joy, trials, and, sometimes, differing opinions on how best to guide your children. In the Bible, we see that God has called parents to train their children in His ways (Proverbs 22:6) and to be united in love. When we encounter disagreements, God’s Word provides us with wisdom on how to handle them gracefully. Here are some ways to work as a team in faith, even when you and your partner have different perspectives.

1. Pray Together

Before tackling disagreements, seek God’s guidance together. Praying as a couple is one of the most powerful ways to stay united. Ask God for wisdom to make decisions in line with His will, and for patience and love in how you relate to each other. Remember James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” By centering your discussions in prayer, you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you and foster peace.

2. Honour Unity in Front of Your Children

Just as the Bible encourages believers to live “in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16), your children need to see this harmony between you and your partner. A united front doesn’t mean agreeing on every detail; it means handling disagreements in a way that shows love, respect, and teamwork. Avoid debating in front of the kids and, if a conflict arises, commit to discussing it privately later. Modelling unity teaches your children the value of respect, compromise, and self-control.

3. Lean on God’s Word as Your Guide

When deciding on key parenting issues, turn to Scripture to find common ground. For example, if you and your partner disagree on discipline, remember the wisdom of Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Talk through the values and principles you see in Scripture, and ask God to help you build a parenting approach that honours Him.

4. Practice Humility and Grace

The Bible calls us to “be humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship, and parenting is no different. Instead of approaching conversations with a need to be “right,” practice humility. Seek to understand your partner’s viewpoint, and express your own opinions with gentleness. This Christ-centered humility can open doors to finding solutions that bring peace.

5. Trust in Each Other’s Strengths, Guided by God

God uniquely gifted each of you with strengths that can bless your children. Recognize and trust each other’s abilities, knowing that together, you reflect a fuller picture of God’s love and guidance. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” By supporting each other’s strengths, you’re building each other up and teaching your children the value of mutual respect and teamwork under God’s direction.

6. Embrace God’s Grace for Mistakes

No parent is perfect, and there will be times when you both make mistakes. Embrace God’s grace when you fall short, and extend that same grace to each other. 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” When disagreements or frustrations arise, let love be the foundation for forgiveness and patience. God’s grace is abundant, and through it, we can learn to parent with humility and compassion.

Our highest purpose is to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and this includes praying according to His will. To do this, we must first ask for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). As we seek wisdom, we must trust in God’s graciousness and believe that He hears and answers our prayers: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt” (James 1:6; also Mark 11:24). Therefore, praying according to God’s will involves seeking wisdom to discern His will and asking in faith to trust it.

Here are five biblical principles to help believers pray according to God’s will:
1) Pray for what Scripture commands: The Bible provides clear direction for prayer. There are clear things that we are supposed to pray for – like our enemies (Matthew 5), more workers for the harvest and for the healing of others (James 5). When we pray for what God has commanded, we can be assured that we are praying according to His will.
2) Pray with the right motives: Selfish prayers are not honoured by God. “When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives” (James 4:3). Our prayers should not be for personal gain or to be seen as spiritual by others, but rather offered humbly and in private, knowing that God sees and rewards what is done in secret (Matthew 6:5-6).
3) Pray with thanksgiving: Gratitude should accompany our prayers (Colossians 4:2; Philippians 4:6-7). No matter how weighed down we feel by life’s challenges, there is always something to be thankful for. Even in the midst of suffering, we have the assurance of God’s redeeming love and the hope of eternity with Him.
4) Pray with persistence: Jesus encouraged persistent prayer (Luke 18:1), and Paul urged believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should not give up when answers don’t come quickly, trusting that God’s timing and will are perfect, whether His answer is “yes,” “no,” or “wait.”
5) Rely on the Holy Spirit in prayer: One of the greatest comforts is knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray for. “The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26-27). Even in our weakest moments, when prayer seems impossible, the Spirit prays on our behalf according to God’s will.

When we walk in step with the Spirit, we can trust that He will present our prayers to the Father according to His perfect will. We can rest in the promise that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Anxiety can be a heavy burden, weighing us down and stealing our peace. But what if we had a source of comfort that we could turn to in those moments when the worries of life seem overwhelming? For centuries, people have found peace, hope, and courage through the words of the Bible. It’s filled with promises and reminders that we are not alone, even in our toughest moments.

Here are five passages that offer encouragement and reassurance in times of anxiety, along with ways you can pray and meditate on them to experience God’s peace.

1. Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflect and Pray: When anxiety arises, it’s natural to let worries build up in our minds. This passage invites us to bring each of our fears and concerns to God in prayer. Begin by naming what’s weighing on your heart. Offer those worries to God with a thankful heart, trusting that He hears you. Close your prayer by asking for His peace to guard your heart and mind.

2. Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Reflect and Pray: Jesus reminds us that we can only handle one day at a time. Anxiety often pulls us into the future, filling our minds with “what ifs” and uncertainties. Practice focusing on just today’s needs. Pray for help in letting go of future worries and trust that God will equip you for each new day as it comes.

3. Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Reflect and Pray: This psalm is a testament to God’s faithfulness in calming our fears when we seek Him. In a quiet moment, read this verse several times, letting the words sink in. Allow yourself to believe that God hears you. Pray, asking for deliverance from the specific fears that are clouding your heart and ask for God’s comfort to fill those spaces instead.

4. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Reflect and Pray: The idea of casting is active. Imagine physically placing each of your worries into God’s hands. Spend some time visualizing this in prayer. One by one, bring your worries and imagine handing them over to God. Trust that He genuinely cares for you and wants to carry those burdens.

5. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Reflect and Pray: When we feel weak or anxious, God’s strength is our refuge. Meditate on this verse, and let it reassure you that God’s presence is constant. In your prayer, ask God to strengthen you with His love, to hold you up when you feel like you can’t go on, and to give you courage to face what lies ahead.

There have been times in my life when prayer feels difficult, when my life is so confusing and stressful that prayer, something I’ve believed is only supposed to be thankful and happy. And the more I’ve studied the Bible, the more I’ve come to recognize that there is a lot in the Bible to support a different type of prayer – one that has us pouring out our true feelings to our Father. We call it lament – and it is the type of prayer that is shown to us most in the Bible, the majority of the Psalms, the central topic in the book of Lamentations and is even modelled for us by Jesus when before He dies, He explains “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” But today, it is a type of prayer we have lost the art for, and so we must recover it. To do this, I want to sketch the broad outline for lament that we in the Psalms.

1. Turn to God
The first step in biblical lament is directing our pain and confusion to God. Instead of withdrawing or turning inward, the Psalms encourage us to seek the One who is always listening. Whether it’s David crying out in Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” or Psalm 77 where the psalmist calls out, “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me,” we see a common thread: lament starts by taking our burdens to God. This is an act of faith because it acknowledges that He is the only one who can truly hold our sorrow.
2. Express the Complaint
Once we turn to God, the next step in the process is to bring our complaint to Him. This is not about grumbling, but about honestly expressing our emotions—whether they be confusion, grief, or anger. The Psalms are full of bold complaints. In Psalm 13:1-2, David asks, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” These verses teach us that God is not afraid of our raw emotions. Lament gives us the space to voice our questions without fear.
3. Ask Boldly for Help
After expressing the complaint, lament moves toward asking God for His intervention. In Psalm 13, after David lays out his feelings of abandonment, he prays, “Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death” (Psalm 13:3). In Psalm 77, after recalling his despair, the psalmist remembers God’s past faithfulness and asks for His help again. Asking God to act in lament is an acknowledgment of His power to change situations, bring healing, or give peace.
4. Choose to Trust
The final part of biblical lament is a declaration of trust. Even when the situation hasn’t changed, the Psalms model how to rest in the character of God. In Psalm 13, after expressing his sorrow and asking for help, David concludes, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5). This doesn’t mean the pain has vanished, but it shows that lament brings us to a place where we can rest in God’s sovereignty.

If you’ve ever spent any time talking to me, you’ll know that I am a major planner. To-do lists, calendars, and schedules shape how I live my life. But lately, I’ve been wondering: *Should* we plan at all?
On one hand, we resemble the Maker who created the world with a six-day blueprint. We share a likeness with Him who “planned from days of old what now I bring to pass” (2 Kings 19:25), and act like Him who always moves according to a “definite plan” (Acts 2:23). As planners, we reflect the image of a planning God.
But on the other hand, is there a risk that our planning could go too far? Sometimes, we plan as if we were in control of everything, as if life wasn’t uncertain. In our desire for control, we often fail to say, “If the Lord wills…” (James 4:15). So, how do we balance our innate desire to plan with the unpredictability of life and the sovereignty of God?
1. Plan with humility.
When we plan, whether for next week or next year, we project our hopes into the future. We imagine what tomorrow holds and chart a course to get there. But as James reminds us, we “do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14). We are like mist, here one moment and gone the next.
Humility doesn’t mean we stop planning, but it reframes how we do it. We realize our plans are like sketches, subject to God’s eraser. We plan, yes—but with the mindset that our plans are fragile and contingent on God’s will. Every to-do list and calendar entry should be marked with a quiet “If the Lord wills.”
2. Plan prayerfully.
Sometimes, planning can be an exercise in pride. We rely on our own reasoning, crafting pro-con lists without ever asking for divine guidance. Yet, planning that truly honors God is saturated with prayer. We should invite God into every aspect of our planning, seeking His wisdom to discern what is truly best.
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-10 is a helpful model: he prays that love may abound with “knowledge and all discernment” so that we can approve what is excellent. As we plan, we need more than common sense—we need Spirit-filled discernment to guide us to what is best.
3. Plan with worship at the centre.
After we’ve made our plans, how do we keep from taking them too seriously? We do so by keeping worship at the heart of everything. At the top of all our to-do lists, the first priority must be our relationship with God. What does my Bible reading look like this year? When and where will I pray? How will I stay connected to my church family? When we prioritize worship, we keep our plans in perspective, and God’s providence—not our agenda—guides us.

4. Dream with courage.
Should we be bold in our planning? Yes, but with caution. Like Paul, who outlined long-range plans to travel across multiple regions (Romans 15:24-26), we can craft audacious plans, knowing that some good works require long-term vision. Global missions, starting a business, or raising a family are all endeavors that reach far beyond today’s calendar. Yet even in our boldest dreams, we must hold them loosely, ready for God to redirect them according to His will. We are dreamers, but always dreamers under God’s authority.
5. Submit to God’s plans.
The ultimate test of a planner’s heart comes when our plans don’t unfold as we envisioned. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). When our plans fall apart, it’s an opportunity to embrace the fact that we are sub-planners, operating under God’s greater plan.
Paul may have never made it to Spain, just as some of our most ambitious plans may never materialize. But even in those moments, we can trust that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Our failed plans remind us to pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
So, should we plan? Yes, but we must do so with humility, prayer, worship, courage, and submission to God’s will.

I believe that one of the greatest desires for Christians, and even those who aren’t, is to hear God speak to them. We want to spend time and commune with our creator. Jesus tells us in John 10:27,28 that if we are His sheep we will hear His voice. That means God wants to speak to us. But it’s simply not that easy – we have to be in the position to hear His voice.

Just like tuning into a radio signal, we need to adjust our spiritual frequency to hear the Holy Spirit. God is constant, unchanging—His voice is always there, but we need to be open and receptive to it.

God’s Voice is Found When We Are Still
God speaks with a still, quiet presence. In 1 Kings 19:12, after his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled in fear of Queen Jezebel. Desperate to hear from God, he expected a dramatic sign, but instead, God spoke to him in a *still small voice.* Sometimes we too expect God to shout, but His voice is most often found in moments of stillness.

Psalm 46:10 says, *“Be still, and know that I am God.”* We’re often so busy, rushing from one task to the next, that we miss God’s voice. It’s easy to say a quick prayer and move on with our day, but to truly hear Him, we must quiet ourselves and listen.

God’s Voice Aligns With Scripture
The Bible needs to be our “tuning fork.” We must measure everything we hear against Scripture to confirm it’s truly from God. When we study and meditate on God’s Word, we recognize His voice more clearly. Luke 24:27 reminds us how Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus through the Scriptures. In John 5:39, Jesus says, “Search the Scriptures, for they testify of Me.” If what we hear contradicts the Bible, we need to reject it as the voice of a stranger.

God’s Voice Is Personal
Finally, God’s voice is deeply personal. Just as a father knows his child, God knows you intimately—He’ll speak in ways that resonate with your heart. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God is personally invested in our future.

In John 10:27, Jesus says, *“My sheep hear My voice.”* God calls us by name, relating to us in a way that reflects our unique personality, background, and experiences. Whether He’s talking to a farmer, a fisherman, or a tech expert, God speaks in a way that each person can understand.

The key to hearing God’s voice is maintaining a close relationship with Him. As we keep our hearts open and our spirits tuned in, we’ll discover the deep joy of recognizing His voice and walking in His guidance.

As thanksgiving approaches, we’re all told and reminded that we should be more thankful. It’s easy to look at what we don’t have instead of what we do. In this blog post, we want to look at some practical thing that we can do to cultivate thankfulness, not just in this season but in all seasons of our lives.

1. Gratitude Journal:
Daily Entries: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. They can be as simple as a good meal or as significant as a strong relationship.
Weekly Reflection: At the end of each week, review your entries to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.
2. Thank You Notes:
Express Gratitude: Write and send thank you notes to people who have made a difference in your life. It can be a quick text or a handwritten card. Make a point of doing this every week or two to get into the habit of it.
5. Acts of Kindness:
Giving Back: Volunteer or help someone in need. Acts of kindness often lead to a greater sense of gratitude for what you have.
Pay It Forward: When someone does something kind for you, pay it forward to someone else, fostering a cycle of thankfulness.
6. Gratitude Rituals:
Mealtime Thanks: Make it a habit to express gratitude before meals, acknowledging the food, the hands that prepared it and our God who made it all possible.
7. Perspective Shifts:
Focus on Abundance: Instead of dwelling on what you lack, consciously shift your focus to what you have and what’s going well in your life.