The Advent of new birth and peace

Ellen Toews records as Macey Plett displays gifts at the shower held to celebrate the arrival of Macey and Travis Plett’s son, Zane.

Heartland Community Church - Landmark, Manitoba.

In November 2023, a special shower was held in honour of Macey Plett, wife of our Young Life Pastor Travis, celebrating the arrival of their first born, a son, whom they named Zane. The name in Hebrew means: “God is Gracious!”

A special acknowledgement to those who helped plan this event: Marj Toews, Bev Braun, Ellen Toews, Marcia Hill and Kaya Toews. And what a beautiful day it was to bless this family! With the advent of their newborn son, life will change for the new parents, and we will uphold them all in prayer and support in practical ways as God leads.

On December 3, 2023, the first Sunday of Advent, we celebrate with joy the four people who were baptized on this day. How fitting they should rise from the waters, professing their faith in Jesus, as new creations in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:17). And with their new spiritual birth comes the peace of God, who has promised them this free gift of grace (Ephesians 2:1–10).

At our December 12 service, our worship planning teams helped us focus our minds on the Advent theme of Peace. Pastor Matt preached on Isaiah 9, a prophecy of comfort for the Israelites’ during their times of troubles and the future fulfillment of “Immanuel” (God with Us), the True Prince of Peace, whose second advent we await. Come, Lord Jesus!