Read Luke 21:25-36 with your family.

We read a scripture in Mark that was like this just two weeks ago. Matthew, Mark and Luke all have this bit at the end of their Gospels telling people that things will be hard, but not to give up hope because God is in everything – not causing it, but working with people to make things better.

Have hope! That is the message of these stories in the Gospels, and that is the message of Advent.

When we celebrate Advent, we are beginning our Christian year again. Now we wait for baby Jesus to be born, and all the promise that comes with a new baby and a new understanding of how to trust God.