Not every love story is about a person. Some of our deepest and most enduring relationships are with places.

To mark its 60th anniversary, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is inviting Australians to celebrate those relationships by writing love letters to nature — messages dedicated to the natural places that have shaped, supported, or healed them over the years. 

These letters are being pinned on an interactive national map, creating a growing tapestry of affection, memory and environmental connection.

Jane Gardner, ACF’s Engagement Director, said the project is a joyful antidote to the negativity that often fills our digital feeds.

“We’re collecting love letters to the places that have always been there for you: the beach, the creek, the tree, the ambling echidna and bounding kangaroo, the sunset that stopped you in your tracks” Jane Gardner said.

“This project is designed as an antidote to the ugliness in our social media feeds. Go and take a look at the map, read what your fellow nature lovers have written, add your own – I guarantee you’ll feel better.”

“Since we launched this project on Valentine’s Day, 215 people have already written love letters to special natural places.”

Love letters from across the country

The letters pinned to the map are intimate, poetic and deeply personal. They reveal the emotional power of Country, coastlines, wildlife, forests and rivers — and how these places hold our stories:

• “I was at my worst… Nothing could have brought me back to life the way you did.” — T. Harris, Airlie Beach, Qld
• “You are a tapestry woven from the extremes of my life… You meet me wherever I am now.” — Declan, Fishermans Beach, Torquay, Vic
• “You are my sanctuary. My safe place… Peace, hope and love reside here.” — Jane, Stirling Range National Park, WA
• “I love her for her quiet dignity, her generosity… and her spiritual connections to the forest that was once here.” — Iain, Broulee, NSW

These letters sit alongside hundreds of others on ACF’s interactive “Love Letters to Nature” map — where users can browse tributes, vote for their favourites, or discover places ACF has helped protect over its six decades of environmental advocacy. 

The map also highlights featured stories such as the Kimberley’s King Leopold Ranges, described by one writer as “heaven here on earth” and a place that “washes away the chaos and noise of the city.”

Part of a broader 60‑year celebration

ACF’s 60th anniversary has been marked by nationwide events, creative installations, and invitations for people to reflect on their personal connection to the natural world. From interactive activities at Fed Square — where people could draw, write or compose music with plants — to the ever‑expanding map of love letters, the message is clear: Australia’s living places matter deeply to its people.

After 60 years of conservation wins and community action, ACF is using this milestone to spotlight the emotional and cultural value of nature — not just its ecological importance.

A growing chorus of gratitude

With every new letter, the map becomes a richer archive of Australians’ relationships with the landscapes that sustain them. From rugged ranges to quiet bays, ancient trees to bustling wetlands, people are sharing what these places mean — and why they deserve protection now more than ever.

You can explore the map, read the stories, or add your own love letter at loveletters.acf.org.au/map.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Canva

What if Schoolies wasn’t something young people had to recover from – but something that set them up for life? What if it could strengthen their faith, friendships and future?

That question sits at the heart of Schoolies for Jesus, a new Christ-centred Schoolies alternative launching in 2026, pioneered by Youth for Christ Australia.

For decades, Schoolies has been marketed as freedom, yet too often it leaves young people navigating pressure, regret, anxiety, and risk. After years of on-the-ground outreach at Schoolies hotspots, Youth for Christ leaders began asking a deeper question: Isn’t there a better way to celebrate this milestone?

“We’ve seen thousands of faith conversations, salvations, and baptisms during Schoolies,” says YFC National Director PJ Bedwell. “But we’ve also seen how many young people leave feeling empty. We believe this moment deserves something life-giving, not destructive. To celebrate with purpose, not regret.”

From that conviction, Schoolies for Jesus was born.

Rather than replacing traditional outreach, Schoolies for Jesus offers a new option: a week-long, joy-filled, Christ-centred getaway where school leavers can celebrate together with Jesus at the centre.

The inaugural Schoolies for Jesus Getaway will take place in 2026 at a beach-front holiday resort in Coffs Harbour, NSW, with capacity for hundreds of Year 12 graduates. The experience blends rest, fun, worship, community, and faith formation, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Event Director Ruth Lewis-Jones explains the heart behind the event:
“We want school leavers to celebrate well. To rest, have fun, and build memories together, while discovering who they are in Christ and that God’s way is better. Our prayer is that young people leave strengthened in their faith and excited about and equipped for the future God has for them.”

Throughout the week, participants will experience worship nights, clear and relevant Bible teaching, fun adventure, beach days, optional equipping workshops, prayer spaces, and faith-filled friendships- all intentionally designed to help young people encounter Jesus and step confidently into adulthood with Him.

Schoolies for Jesus exists to lead a generation out of destructive cultural patterns and into the presence, purpose, and freedom of Jesus. At a time when many young people walk away from faith between the ages of 17 and 21, the vision is bold: to see a generation ignited to live fully alive in Christ.

Participants can choose villas or camping, come with friends or meet new ones, and be surrounded by trusted leaders and ministries committed to championing the next generation.

Tickets for the 2026 Schoolies for Jesus Getaway are now available at schooliesforjesus.com.

Come away. Come alive. Come back changed and called in Christ.

Article Supplied with thanks to Youth for Christ

Feature image: Supplied

What does Christmas look like around the world?

Here are seven colourful and surprising ways Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth.

‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”’  (Luke 2:10) 

Christmas looks different in communities across the globe. And as Christians, we have the profound joy of being part of a worldwide family of believers—beautiful in our diversity.  

Here are seven wonderful ways our brothers and sisters around the world are expressing the good news of great joy that Christmas is.

Lebanon

In Lebanon, Christmas trees are less popular than this tradition: building a nativity crib. Set in a cave rather than a stable, the holy family is arranged alongside seeds that sprout and grow over the Advent season.  

This live and growing scene becomes a place for the family to gather for prayer in the lead up to Christmas.  

England (via Germany) 

At Christmas in 1747, a German Bishop called John de Watteville gave candles wrapped with red ribbons to children as a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world. The Christingle (Christ Light) was born, and the custom spread around the world.  In 1968, The Children’s Society in England expanded on the Christingle’s symbolism to further explore the importance of Christmas with children. Now the Christingle is made from: an orange to represent the world God made; four sticks threaded with dried fruit or lollies to represent God’s provision; a red ribbon wrapped around the orange representing Jesus’ work on the cross; and a white candle placed in the top of the orange to represent Jesus as the light of the world.

Philippines 

The city of San Fernando is called the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’ because of Ligligan Parul—a festival dating back as far as 1904 where enormous, intricately decorated lanterns are displayed against the night sky.   

Thought to have originally represented the star of Bethlehem, these days the lanterns are typically six metres wide and illuminated by thousands of bulbs intertwined to create a dazzling display of dancing light.    

Ethiopia

Christians make up around 60-70 per cent of the population in Ethiopia, and the largest denomination within that are our Orthodox brothers and sisters who celebrate Christmas on 7 January.  

After fasting and refraining from meat and alcohol in the lead up, on Christmas Eve, Christians dress in a white cotton garment called a netela and attend an overnight service from 6pm to 3am.  

With no emphasis on gift giving, Ethiopians enjoy a day of feasting and traditional sports such as genna, a hockey-like game played without boundaries in the space between two villages.  

The game—and the fun it brings—is thought to represent the shepherds’ joy at the birth of Jesus. 

Bangladesh 

Only 0.3 per cent of the population of Bangladesh are Christians. Nonetheless, 25 December is a national holiday known as Boro Din (The Big Day).  

Christians celebrate with church services, kirtan (a traditional song and dance circle) and special Christmas treats. Many churches hold Preeti-bhoj (love feasts) after church where the whole community share a meal. 

Uganda 

Christmas or Sekukkulu is one of the most important holidays in Uganda, and families spend weeks preparing. Houses are meticulously cleaned, and many people prioritise buying new clothes. It’s common for people to travel long distances to their ancestral home, so they can attend church and big family reunions.

While gift-giving isn’t common, many families save money for months to buy ingredients for an elaborate Christmas feast. With all that effort, it’s not surprising that celebrations continue all day and into the night!

Solomon Islands  

Nathanial, a local pastor who volunteers in the Solomon Islands shared what Christmas is like in his community. 

‘Christmas is a time of celebration for the whole community, because we believe in God, and we believe in his son’ he said. ‘When it’s Christmas time, we make birthday cake and we say, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”—it’s a birthday cake so big it takes four people to carry it to the front of the church! Then the Chief Elder will cut the cake, and we all sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.’ 

You can stand alongside local leaders like Nathanial in the Solomon Islands and around the world with a gift to the Baptist World Aid Christmas Appeal.

Please give generously this Christmas so that families everywhere can thrive in good health and look forward to a future without poverty.  

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Feature image: Canva

As Christmas approaches, many people feel a familiar mix of excitement and exhaustion. The end-of-year rush doesn’t magically disappear once work wraps up.

Instead, it often shifts into a different kind of pressure organising events, managing family expectations, and trying to create the “perfect” Christmas.

Conflict and negotiation specialist Sarah Blake says this is one of the most common traps people fall into at this time of year. Instead of slowing down, we carry burnout straight into the holidays.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Christmas

One of the biggest Christmas myths is that everything should look effortless. The house should be spotless. The food should be flawless. Everyone should get along.

“That pressure is unrealistic,” Sarah says. “And when things inevitably go wrong because we’re human it can feel devastating”.

This expectation often falls more heavily on women, who can feel they should be able to manage everything without complaint. But trying to meet impossible standards only increases stress and resentment.

The solution? Let go of perfection.

“Aim for good enough,” Sarah says. “Expect messy. It takes the pressure off and allows you to actually be present”.

Why Boundaries Matter at Christmas

Another common myth is that setting boundaries will upset people. As a result, many of us let boundaries slide in an effort to keep everyone happy.

But Sarah says the opposite is true.

“Boundaries aren’t about harming relationships,” she explains. “They’re about self-respect and self-care. Without them, you burn out and then you don’t enjoy Christmas anyway”.

Boundaries help manage emotional, physical, and relational risks during an already demanding season.

What Healthy Christmas Boundaries Look Like

Healthy boundaries don’t have to be complicated. They just need to be clear.

Time Boundaries

If you’re invited to multiple events, it’s okay to set limits. You might say you can only stay for two hours or need to leave early due to other commitments. Clear expectations reduce guilt and prevent exhaustion.

Emotional Boundaries

Christmas isn’t always the right time for heavy conversations. If you don’t have the capacity, it’s okay to say, “I care about this, but I don’t have the headspace to talk about it today”.

Family Boundaries

Family obligations can feel especially complex. Sarah suggests being upfront and fair. That might mean attending Christmas breakfast instead of the whole day, or alternating celebrations year to year so everyone’s needs are respected.

Six practical ways to make Christmas more enjoyable

To help families survive the holiday season, Sarah shares six simple strategies:

1. Drop the perfection pressure
   Good enough is good enough. Let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on the moment
2. Alternate busy and rest days
   If Christmas Day is full-on, plan a quieter recovery day afterwards. Rest is not a luxury it’s essential.
3. Plan for self-care
   Think of this as emotional health and safety. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee alone, or quiet time by the beach, prioritise space to recharge.
4. Create a holiday activity menu
   Put a list on the fridge with free activities, low-cost options, and simple jobs kids can do. It removes decision fatigue and helps manage long school holidays.
5. Do daily check-ins
   A quick family check-in can help everyone reflect on how they’re going, what’s coming up, and what they’re grateful for. It keeps small frustrations from becoming big problems.
6. Use humour
   Laughter softens tension. Lightening the mood can make difficult moments easier to navigate 

A Kinder Way to Approach Christmas

At its heart, Christmas isn’t about flawless execution. It’s about connection.

By letting go of unrealistic expectations, setting clear boundaries, and being gentler with ourselves and others, the season becomes far more meaningful and far more enjoyable.

As Sarah puts it, curiosity, kindness, and humour can go a long way in helping everyone arrive at Christmas a little less stressed and a lot more present.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

As Australians head into the festive season, many households are feeling the pressure to spend big.

But according to financial expert Jason Featherby, the best Christmas isn’t the most extravagant one, it’s the Christmas you can actually afford.

Jason reminds us that the heart of Christmas has little to do with price tags. “Christmas is not about how much you spend. It’s about who you spend it with.”

The Pressure to Spend Is Real

New data shows that Australians continue to feel the financial strain at Christmas time. Despite rising costs of living, spending expectations remain high.

• The average Australian will spend around $500 on gifts.
• Another $500 goes towards food and drinks.
• When you add in decorations, alcohol, social events, and travel, average spending reaches $828 per person.

That means a household of four could easily spend over $3,000 during the Christmas period. And for many, that bill does not stay in December.

Debt That Lasts Long After the Tinsel Is Packed Away

Around one-third of Australians go into debt to cover Christmas costs. Buy now, pay later services, credit cards, and personal loans remain the most common tools.

Jason says the consequences can stretch far beyond the holiday season.

• Average Christmas-related debt: $634 per person
• 43% expect to clear their debt within five months
• 20% will take six to eleven months
• 15% will take over a year

With some credit cards charging interest rates above 20%, even small Christmas overspends can turn into long-term financial stress. “You have a day or two of good times, and then you’ve got to pay it down. The interest becomes like quicksand.”

Tips to Keep Christmas Affordable

1. Shop Early

Shopping in advance helps avoid impulse buying and the panic spending that often happens in the final weeks of December. Many Australians now take advantage of Black Friday and early sales.

2. Set Gift Limits

Agreeing on a spending cap with family and friends helps everyone stay on track. Jason encourages families to use Secret Santa or Stealing Santa games to reduce costs and increase fun. “You’re not only keeping spending under control you’re having a bit of fun doing it.”

3. Save Gradually

It may be too late for this year, but starting a small weekly Christmas savings fund in January can make next December much easier.

4. Make a List and Budget

Only 50% of Australians create a Christmas budget. Planning who you’re buying for and how much you’re willing to spend makes a significant difference.

5. Delay or Skip Gifts With Your Partner

If both partners agree, waiting until after Christmas sales or skipping presents altogether can remove financial pressure.

6. Focus on Memories, Not Money

Featherby repeatedly emphasised that the true value of Christmas isn’t found in presents but in presence. “You’ll remember the memories. You won’t remember what you got for Christmas.”

If You Do Go Into Debt

For those who find themselves in financial trouble after Christmas, Featherby offers one clear piece of advice: act quickly.

• Pay off the highest-interest debt first
• Temporarily scale back extra mortgage repayments
• Review spending and cut non-essentials until the debt is cleared
• If needed, speak to your bank early for help or hardship options

A Christmas Worth Remembering

Despite rising interest rates, increasing living costs, and pressure to spend, Featherby offers reassurance. A meaningful Christmas doesn’t require going into debt or proving anything financially. Time with family, good food, and a break from routine can be just as special without overspending.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

On Christmas Day, 1914, bitter enemies laid down their weapons and for a brief moment, gave peace a chance.

In 1914, an unlikely event took place so unexpected that it’s often believed to be a myth. Yet there is good historical evidence that it indeed happened. 

“The Christmas truce” refers to Christmas Day during The Great War (World War I) when German and British soldiers on the front line of the Western Front put down their weapons and celebrated Christmas together. Instead of shooting each other, as they had been doing, they sang Christmas carols, buried their dead, exchanged gifts and even played football (soccer). 

These men, who had been mortal enemies, decided for a brief time in the middle of unimaginable horror, that they would celebrate Christmas, sometimes against the wishes of their commanders. 

The Great War had been brewing for some time before it broke out in Europe. Many of the young men (especially the Germans) had been raised on a wave of nationalistic pride. Told they would be embarking on an adventure and that the war would be over by Christmas, eager volunteers signed up across Europe. Yet, crushing reality soon sank in. The trenches were dirty, held stagnant water and were a breeding ground for disease. In his poignant poetry documenting the war, Wilfred Owen, who was killed just months before the Armistice, paints the picture of a young man who has been gassed, thrown on a wagon “eyes writhing in his face”, blood “gargling from froth-corrupted lungs”. 

The poet finishes his poem with these lines. 

“My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.”1

“Sweet and fitting it is to die for one’s country.” That Latin saying had been a catchcry glorifying and softening the brutal, life-ending realities of war. The young men who were told they would sweep in and vanquish the enemy, returning to a heroes’ welcome, soon woke up from their fantasy, senses assaulted by the insistent boom of shells, the clinging mud and stink of the trenches. 

Yet on Christmas Day, 1914, some places along the front saw a break in the fighting. Reports from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) verify the soldiers’ tales. 

The IWM documentary The Christmas Truce features recorded interviews with soldiers who experienced this unlikely event. 

Marmaduke Walkinton of the Queen’s Westminsters said, “We were in the front line. We were about 300 yards from the Germans . . . on Christmas Eve, we’d been singing carols and this, that and the other, and the Germans had been doing the same, and we’d been shouting to each other, sometimes rude remarks, more often just joking remarks.

Eventually a German said, ‘Tomorrow you no shoot, we no shoot’.”

Somehow, the suggestion stuck. “What was interesting at Christmas is that both sides actually started to communicate in more friendly terms,” said Anthony Richards, IWM head of documents and sound. “It really began with the Germans singing Christmas carols and setting up Christmas trees on top of their parapets. And so, they came to very much empathise with one another.”  

A German artillery officer, only known as Mr Rickner, shares, “I remember the Christmas Day when the German and the French soldiers left their trenches, went to the barbed wire between them with champagne and cigarettes in their hands and had feelings of fraternisation and shouted that they wanted to finish the war. And that lasted only two days . . . and then strict orders came that no fraternisation was allowed, and we had to stay back in our trenches.” 

Officers were worried that such fraternisation would dampen the men’s enthusiasm for battle. 

This truce was not negotiated in a board room by leaders, nor banged out in the exchange of hostages or with concessions. It was the simple desire of young men to not fight and die on Christmas. People at home were incredulous about the reports. They didn’t believe that the enemy, who had been demonised and dehumanised, could exchange such pleasantries with their “boys”. 

Yet the event did happen—not everywhere and not for long—but up and down the front. On the eastern front, Russian soldiers who had been bombarding the Polish fortress of Przemyśl left three Christmas trees in no-man’s land with a polite note to the defenders: “We wish you, the heroes of Przemyśl, a Merry Christmas and hope that we can come to a peaceful agreement as soon as possible.”2

In our society today, Christmas has become known for the saccharine sweetness of jingles, rich food and an excessive display of materialism as parents fight in aisles over presents for their children. Even the “spirit of Christmas” has become a bit of an urban legend—a nebulous concept of generosity and sacrifice. 

Christians around the world celebrate Christmas to mark the occasion of the birth of Jesus. While scholars would agree that Jesus’ actual birthday is not December 25, the date has been part of Christian tradition for more than a millennium and while some get bogged down in that detail, many around the world celebrate the nativity. 

The Gospel of Luke has one retelling of the story. An angel comes to a group of shepherds in the Judean countryside and proclaims to them that a special baby has been born. 

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10–12, NKJV3).

The shepherds would have had something in common with the men in the trenches of Europe. They were rough, uncultured men, probably from lower classes of society. They were accustomed to sleeping in rough terrain and to going without. 

Yet, they heard the message of this heavenly messenger, when kings and rulers would not. Luke tells us that with this angel, a host appeared singing this phrase: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (2:14)

“Peace and goodwill toward men.” This phrase brings some insight into the mission and purpose of this “Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths” who was to be the Saviour of the world. “Saviour” means “one who saves” or “rescues”. Jesus, the Baby who was born that day, is that Saviour. 

Jesus showed His followers a new way. He encouraged them to love their enemies, going against human nature. If someone does me wrong, my natural inclination is to repay them in kind. Yet Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the One who came to bring peace. The kind of peace Jesus wants to bring doesn’t last for a day. He wants to bring wholeness to you and me, to restore broken relationships, to heal cultural and national divides, to have former enemies put down their weapons and share gifts and an embrace. The choir of angels wished for peace on earth and in this broken world, we still long for peace.  

Our world is wracked by war and suffering and yet, when we remember Christmas, we are encouraged to heal hurts and be peace makers, even with our enemies.

The Bible records that the shepherds—captivated by this vision of peace—came “with haste” to the place and found the Baby they had been told about, before telling everyone they knew of the strange encounter. Perhaps like the Christmas truce, some didn’t believe them. But those rough men would remember that encounter for the rest of their lives. 

Let us pray for peace this Christmas. 

Article supplied with thanks to Sign of the Times Magazine.

About the Author: Jarrod Stackelroth is the editor of Signs of the Times South Pacific and Adventist Record.

Feature image: Supplied

The 2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards was hosted in Sydney recently and it shone a spotlight on short films and documentaries created by or featuring 286 finalists from 26 countries, each with disability, celebrating talent, creativity and inclusion from around the world.

“Congratulations to all the wonderful filmmakers involved in this year’s Focus on Ability Film Festival,” said Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS of the event. 

“This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase and celebrate the creative talents of Australians with disability.

“This recognition is crucial to creating a more inclusive, diverse society.”

An Event To Remember

Far from a standard awards ceremony, alongside screenings and prizes, enjoy live entertainment by MC Wheels plus a set from the iconic duo Rogue Traders. 

Judging is in expert hands, featuring the likes of Travis Jeffery, Cinzia Coassin, Nick Hardcastle, Tsu Shan Chambers, David Cameron, Lisa Duff, Yiana Pandelis and Isaac Elliott.

The presenters included Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ada Nicodemou, James Stewart and Craig Bennett OAM.

Why This Event Matters For Inclusion and Opportunity

This festival is about much more than red-carpet glamour; it aligns with key goals around disability inclusion, meaningful participation and community contribution. 

According to Disability Gateway, employment and work opportunities are vital for people with disability to live with independence and purpose. 

Similarly, NOVA Employment emphasises the fact that people with disability are capable of award-wage employment and long-term careers. 

These messages tie directly into what the festival champions: ability, creativity and belonging.

Local Support and Community Impact

Backed by the local city government, there is a strong emphasis on the fact that inclusion can’t just happen in isolated pockets, but happens when community, business and government work together. 

“The Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards shine a spotlight on stories that inspire, empower, and break down barriers,” said Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor.

“At Willoughby City Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for every member of our community to thrive.

“I’m so proud that Willoughby is home to this incredible event, which brings people together in such a powerful way.” 

Anything Is Possible!

“Every year, the Focus on Ability Film Festival reminds us just how powerful storytelling can be,” said Ambassador Paula Duncan. 

“These films don’t just entertain — they move us, challenge perceptions, and open hearts.

“I’m continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and determination of our filmmakers. 

“The Red Carpet Awards are a celebration of talent and inclusion — an event that proves when we focus on ability, anything is possible.”

A Celebration of Ability and A Call To Action

This red-carpet event is a celebration of what has been achieved, but it’s also a call to keep moving. 

When people with disability see their stories told well, when they see their creativity recognised, when they see roles of value and contribution, inclusion becomes real.

Ask yourself: how can I support inclusion in my circle? How can I lift up ability today? Because when passion meets purpose, community is stronger, and everyone belongs.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by the Hope 103.2 Digital team.

Feature image: Supplied

This National Bible Month, you are invited to be part of something truly inspiring: Christians all across Australia joining together to read God’s Word through the YouVersion Bible App.

For many of us, the Bible has been a lifelong source of wisdom, comfort and hope. In a world that often feels fast and fragmented, opening Scripture reminds us that God’s story is still unfolding — and we get to be part of it.

That is why we’re partnering with YouVersion Australia to encourage everyone to take part in a national reading moment by joining the Living Open Handed plan on the Bible App. This devotional plan is a simple yet profound way to connect with God, reflect on generosity and gratitude, and rediscover the joy of living with open hands and open hearts.

When we read the Bible together, something powerful happens. Our faith grows deeper, our sense of community becomes stronger, and our perspective on life is renewed. Across the country, thousands of believers will be reading the same passages, reflecting on the same truths, and encouraging one another as part of this shared experience.

It’s also a moment of global celebration. YouVersion is nearing an extraordinary milestone – 1 billion downloads of the Bible App. This represents 1 billion opportunities for people to encounter God’s Word, in every nation and language. As we join the Living Open Handed plan this month, we’re not just reading the Bible for ourselves — we’re joining in a movement that is helping the world engage with Scripture like never before.

So why not take this step today?

Download the YouVersion Bible App, join the Living Open Handed plan, and read along with others across Australia.

Let’s celebrate what God is doing in our nation and around the world, as we open His Word together and discover once again that the Bible is truly life-giving.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

The 36th Australian National Prayer Breakfast will be held on Monday, 3 November 2025, bringing together parliamentarians, community leaders, and everyday Australians in a morning of prayer, encouragement and reflection.

Hosted by David Smith MP and Henry Pike MP, co-chairs of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, the event will be held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, and also livestreamed for those joining from home.

This year’s theme is “Rejoicing in Hope”, and the breakfast will feature guest speaker Dr. John Dickson and a performance by the St Edmund’s College Gospel Choir, whose music will carry messages of unity, faith and hope.

“I’m honoured to join the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament House — an annual reminder that faith and prayer aren’t just private comforts but public goods,” Dr Dickson said.

“This year’s theme, Rejoicing in Hope, captures the heart of what has carried believers through the centuries — through trials, joys, and failures — from the very beginning. 

“May it do the same for us today.”

What to Expect On The Day

The program includes reflections and prayers by parliamentarians, a keynote address by Dr Dickson and musical interludes and worship led by the gospel choir. Doors open early for registration.

For those unable to come in person, the breakfast will be livestreamed starting at 7:15am AEDT (with a corresponding stream for 7:15am AWST).

For those attending in person, registration is required.

What makes the Prayer Breakfast Significant

Founded in 1986 by MPs across parties, the National Prayer Breakfast is rooted in the tradition of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship. 

Over its history, it has served as a bipartisan, interdenominational platform for public prayer, reflection, and encouragement for Australia’s leaders and people.

In past years, the event has drawn thousands of viewers online. 

In 2024 alone, over 33,000 people watched the keynote address via livestream.

Why this year’s theme speaks to us

“Rejoicing in Hope” is a reminder that even in uncertain times, hope remains central to Christian faith. 

The theme is tied to The First Hymn — the oldest known Christian hymn preserved in musical notation from the 3rd century — which has been revived and linked to this year’s event.

As the organisers explain, the hymn expresses the biblical call: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Dr Dickson’s role brings depth to the conversation. A historian, author, and public Christian voice, Dickson has held academic positions in Australia and abroad and is well known for bridging faith, culture, and ideas.

How to be part of this year’s Prayer Breakfast

In person: If you wish to attend at the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, you must register in advance. 

Online or in a local hub:  You can also join via livestream from your home, church, or workplace. The event will be broadcast nationally. Register here.

A Moment To Reflect and Unite

The National Prayer Breakfast is more than a gathering—it’s a reminder that people of faith, across political, cultural and personal divides, can pause together and lift their hearts in prayer for the nation.

As the organisers put it, this event is about “reflection, encouragement, and hope for all who care deeply about the future of our nation.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.

Feature image: Canva

As Father’s Day approaches this year I’m pausing to consider whether I’m being a good father and how that responsibility ranks alongside all the others I hold at work and in life. 

I don’t just want to be a good father; I want to be a good husband, a good member of my community, a good leader, a good son… maybe I want too much?!

Can you relate?

With so many varied responsibilities, how can we prioritise these different realms of life and ensure that we’re investing where it matters most?

As I’ve been reflecting on this lately, I’ve found it most helpful to think about Connection and Direction. 

For me, these two ideas have been key to making sense of where I put my energy—and how I lead the people closest to me, at home and at work.

Connection

Human beings are hard-wired for connection.

There is increasing understanding in our world about the power of connection. I’ve been significantly impacted by Gabor Mate’s work on addiction and connection. He writes: “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection.” He suggests that many maladaptive coping behaviours, addiction included, arise from attempts to soothe the pain of disconnection and isolation, not simply from underlying disease or moral failing. 

The value of connections—especially with our spouses and children—is hard to overstate, but the real challenge is learning how to prioritise between them.

On Father’s Day a few years ago, my then Pastor preached a sermon entitled, “How to be the best dad?” his conclusion has stuck with me since, “love your wife.”It’s radically counterintuitive. We tend to think that to be the best dad, I have to do stuff with my children – spend time with them, buy them ice cream, sit on the couch and hug them – these are all great things!  

But even more powerful is looking after your wife’s needs. Spending time investing in a real relationship with her and making sure her cup is full. It’s a strange principle, but getting that one key connection right has significant ramifications for all of the others. 

So if you’re struggling to work out how to be a good father this Father’s Day, go and love your wife well. (equally true for any wives reading this and thinking about how to love their husbands). 

In the same way, leaders who strengthen their central relationships at work set the tone for the health and unity of the whole organisation. When you intentionally strengthen your most vital connections—such as your core team—the health and resilience of the wider group are transformed.

Prioritising connection is important, but I think it’s only half of the puzzle. Of equal importance is the question of direction. 

Direction

If our connections are like ties that bind us with others, it follows that the direction in which we are pulling becomes the way that we are leading others.

As you are leading your spouse, leading your kids or leading your teams, where are you pulling?

I don’t mean “What is your career path?” or “What is your 10-year plan?” but what is the general direction and bearing of your heart? What is guiding your decision-making and your values and convictions in life? What voices are you listening to and letting influence you?

Speaking of influence, I’ll never forget something I heard a few years ago that the most influential leader in your life is YOU! 

Think about that for a minute, of all the things you and I consume, all of the noise from the influencers and content-creators, it all goes through one giant filter – ourselves! 

If that is true, then one of the key questions we have to be asking ourselves regarding our direction is “How am I leading myself?” 

I don’t know if you’re anything like me, but leading myself is much harder than it sounds.

We’re a forgetful people. We have good intentions, but then we get sidetracked. We put resolutions in place, only to break them. We pursue the shiny things our eyes are attracted to, instead of the truly good. We chase quick fixes rather than purposeful investment that requires sacrifice.  

While this may seem depressing at first, I want to submit to you that it is, in fact, the opposite. While we’ve just said leading yourself is not easy, if we can get this right, I believe it holds incredible synthesising power. To go from trying to lead many different people in multiple different ways to focusing on getting the one most important thing right.

Personally, for me as a Christian, I place my highest priority in following in the direction God is leading me. As I set His voice above all others in my life, it has this miraculous ability to get me moving in a direction that then brings alignment and direction to my countless other connections, including my wife, my children and those I lead in the various facets of my life.

As a leader, the direction you set for yourself doesn’t just guide your own life—it ripples out, influencing the vision, morale, and effectiveness of everyone connected to you, both at home and in your organisation. 

While I’m wrestling this year with how to be a good father and leader, here is my conclusion:

Being a good father and leader is a worthy endeavour, but I’m not strong enough or proactive enough to take good care of hundreds of healthy connections and the responsibility for leading others. So in my own life I am trying to just focus on these key things:

Focus on my closest connections. Prioritising my wife and kids above all others gives me strength to lead with confidence across many other spheres.  

For my direction, I look to God. By listening to Him above all others and following His lead, the other things seem to fall in their right place. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matt 6:33.  

Whether you’re leading a family or a team, the choices you make about where you invest your focus and how you chart your course will shape the culture and well-being of every circle you influence.

I pray that wherever you are and whatever your relationship with fatherhood may have looked like, these reflections encourage you and help move you in the right direction, too.

Article supplied with thanks to Rhema 99.7.

Feature image: Canva