Every year, my husband and I watch house martins nest in our garden. 

We enjoy watching the parents busily feed their new babies. 

One evening, a flock of them was flying all around the garden, crying out excitedly. The adult birds were flying with a small baby bird in their midst! 

Some would fly above and in front of the baby urging the baby on while the others would fly behind and below. I soon realised I was witnessing a baby martin learning to fly! The baby bird had emerged from life in a dark nest and, with the help of the flock, was flying into a bright, beautiful and new world. 

The whole flock seemed to be dancing in the sky and was celebrating the event with joy.

New Christians emerge from the darkness of unbelief into a new life of faith in the body of Christ. Brothers and sisters in the faith can become like that flock of birds, lifting new Christians up, urging them on and encouraging them in the faith. 

We can celebrate their faith journey with joy because we know these new Christians will experience a relationship with God and feel his limitless love.

Prayer: Dear God, inspire us through the help of your Holy Spirit to encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith as we celebrate with joy our relationship with you. Amen