The old church year is over. The new one has begun. The time of Advent is about more than merely singing nice songs, setting up the Christmas tree, and enjoying the fine aromas of the season. The season of waiting is to be a time of action!

In the northern hemisphere, the month of November is dark and dreary. The days become shorter, the temperatures fall. For many people it is a miserable time of year. But there is hope, and this is always stronger than the night. Things will become better.

The latest trend is intermittent fasting. Bookshops are full of books on the topic. But fasting is more than not eating or skipping meals. It has consequences you have to accept. A reflection on Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was an extraordinary woman. To this day, she is considered to be the symbol of a church enlivened by faith. Like her, the church must make faith shine brightly. Thoughts from a divine service by Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider.

All Jonah wanted was to get away from the Lord. He ran off without a destination in mind. Deep down he actually knew that running away from God was useless. But it was worth a try. Then came a forced break; for someone who needed to calm down.

It is more blessed to give than to receive, the Bible tells us—something many practise. A look across the continents shows that many people give gladly of what they have, be it gifts and talents, time, or money. And it always creates joy and gratitude.

Sometimes Advent takes too long—years and even decades, instead of a few weeks or months. This is when patience begins to wear thin and people are driven to acts of despair. And yet, there may be something to laugh about in the end. This is explained in a Bible classic.

Berlin is worth a visit. The more than 30 million tourists a year who visit Berlin should know. This weekend, Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider will be in the German capital. He will be conducting a service in our church Berlin-Tegel.

She knows how it is done. Mary plays a special role not only during Advent. She already did so at the wedding in Cana. To find out what this account has to do with the Church and the faithful today, read on. Explanations from a divine service.

Advent—hope, despair, expectation, stress … Here it is again, the time of year in which people want to enjoy the magic of the holiday season and relax and meditate, yet end up to be frazzled once again. Here is how to opt out. An old man showed us how.

Dark days are often frightening. How good if one has a light at hand. When there is light, one immediately reacts with greater calm and peace. On the way of faith, Jesus is this light.

We are approaching what is called “quiet time”. At the end of the church year, Christians should do some critical introspection and draw new courage by considering the prospects of a better future.

Praising, sharing, protecting—there are many different ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. The congregations around the world set their own focus and priorities. And not all will be celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend.

Getting to know Jesus better in twenty-eight days—a challenge for preachers, believers, and skeptics. Reflection without Advent, repentance without a day of repentance and prayer. The divine services in February have a lot of potential.

A child is born. What do you see? A bundle wrapped in blankets? Or a great future? Or do you see it as a threat? The events of Christmas, then as now, are also a question of one’s perception. Three perspectives on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Without movement there is stagnation. This also applies to the structure and the organisation within the Church. New ministers and churches are constantly needed. Only then can the congregations around the world be properly cared for. Following is an overview.

The thousands of teachers of the New Apostolic Church are not the only ones who have a heart for children. The Chief Apostle does too, and this is reflected in the Divine Service Guide. Starting in the new year, the guide for ministers will also provide impulses for divine services especially for children.

The four weeks leading up to Christmas are not only a time of holiday lights, pleasant scents, and the excited countdown to Christmas. The season of Advent challenges people: “Struggle for encounters with God. Experience God in dialogue.”