Seeker

There is so much bad news around at the moment, it becomes a particular joy to receive good news. And good news is all the more likely to be believed when it is personally delivered by a loved and trusted messenger. Advent is about the message of God coming to save. The messengers who herald that coming bring good news of comfort, peace and joy for those who receive that message. Prophecies from the book of Isaiah are often read during this countdown to Christmas season. I especially love this one: "How beautiful upon the mountains   are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,   who brings good news,   who announces salvation,   who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns'.   Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,   together they sing for joy:   for in plain sight they see   the return of the Lord to Zion.   Break forth together into singing,   you ruins of Jerusalem;   for the Lord has comforted...

More than 3000 people sleep rough on the streets of London each year. The average life-expectancy of a homeless person in England is 42 years. To find out more about  Streetlytes-UK click here . It is one of the charities supported by the  Church Urban Fund .

Good news stories about Christians and Muslims helping each other tend not to make the headlines. But there are many untold stories of peace-loving peope co-operating with each other as neighbours and friends, in ordinary everyday situations. The story behind this picture is more dramatic. It was taken in Egypt 2 days ago. The photographer @NevineZaki lives in Cairo. She tweeted this picture showing Egyptian Christians in Tahir Square, Cairo protecting Muslims while they prayed during the demonstrations. Both groups are showing courage and faith.