Are we so busy that we don't have time to enjoy life? Are events in life depriving you of joy? Christmas is no stranger to trouble. The promise of joy at that first Christmas was made to weary shepherds, and to an oppressed people. And today we're reminded that the message of Christmas means that joy can be tangible, personal and of course wonderful.

How can we know God? If God exists, why are we here and what comes next?

The Day of the Lord is coming! And right now it's time to get ready. In the Apostle Peter's second letter to the Christian church, Peter warns his Christian audience not to be deceived by any delay in Jesus' return. As Christians, we're reminded not to "deliberately forget" the message entrusted to us, but to persevere in faith and to be a light to the world.

So often our expectations of Christmas aren't met. The razzle-dazzle of lights, catchy Christmas tunes, numerous presents and a plethora of food often doesn't translate into a happy Christmas. So, beyond the marketing hype, what's the real meaning of Christmas?

What motivates the soldier to endure, the athlete to persevere, and the farmer to toil on his or her land? It's the end goal, whether to win the war, or the prize, or to see crops and livestock flourish. And it's the end goal that motivates the faithful Christian to persevere - the goal to reign with God for eternity in his kingdom, and to see our loved ones and many others do likewise.

The apostle Paul says - rejoice in the Lord always! But is it reasonable to command an emotion? How can I have joy in the midst of suffering? Do I even like God? These are the sorts of questions Dave addresses - how to experience or recover lasting joy in our lives.

Today marks 100 years since the end or World War One. Today 100 years ago was a day that peace was celebrated after 4 terrible years of war. And today, as we continue to celebrate peace and the joy that brings, is also a day to remember the cost of peace - of lives lost and lives shattered by war. "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends". These words, quoted so often at war memorials, are the words of Jesus, and they remind us of another peace, peace between mankind and God that Jesus offers through his own death on a cross 2000 years ago.

We're all individuals crying out for community, the community we're meant to be.

The Christian life is a battle, against our own selfish desires, and against all that is wrong in the world. And prayer is a crucial part of how we become effective soldiers in this battle.

Life is so full of distractions that it's hard to live for God and for what is good. It's a battle to pursue intimacy with Jesus.