By Eleanor Rivers
Head of Communications, MAF in Australia

Advent begins with a simple yet powerful truth: light always overcomes darkness.

Into a world weary with waiting, confusion and fear, Jesus came “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9 NIV). His light still shines today, breaking through the shadows of our world and our hearts.

When my children first started school, my constant prayer for them was that they would be light – that wherever they went, they would bring kindness, courage and hope. I prayed they would notice the lonely, speak truth gently and reflect God’s love in how they lived. I often reminded them that darkness can’t stay when a light is turned on. No matter how small the flame, it pushes the shadows back.

Light will always overpower darkness. That same truth is what Advent calls us to remember – and to live. Christ, the Light of the World, has placed His light within each of us. Whether you’re guiding children, serving in your community, or praying for those in need, you carry His light into the spaces around you. It doesn’t have to be bright or showy; even the smallest act of faith can reveal Jesus to someone sitting in darkness.

Through Mission Aviation Fellowship, that light also travels far beyond where we can go ourselves. Solar panels bring physical light to remote communities, powering clinics and homes, but they also remind us of the greater light we share – the unending power of Christ shining through His people.

Your prayers for MAF staff and the communities they serve are part of that glow. Every prayer strengthens someone else’s light, ensuring hope keeps burning in the hardest places.

As this Advent season begins, may we pause to let Christ’s light warm and renew us. And may we be willing to carry it – into our families, our workplaces, our streets and even across oceans through our prayers.

By Melissa Higgins
Pilot, MAF in Arnhem Land

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10 NIV).

During Christmas we celebrate freedom from fear, good news and great joy for all people! What an incredible privilege.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with Christmas Carols, Christmas parties, Youth Group events, school graduations, and, of course, lots of flying!

One of the fun flights that we help out with each year is flying Santa around to different homelands.

Santa and his helpers from Laynhapuy Homelands Corporation buy presents for all the children in each homeland. Everyone comes out to meet the plane and have some Christmas fun. It is really great to see everyone’s joy when Santa comes to visit.

At this joyful time of year, we celebrate the amazing gift that God sent to us in Jesus, Who came to earth as a newborn, wrapped up, given to us – a gift of unconditional love. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

At Christmas we see joy, anticipation, planning and generosity, beauty in the decorations, light and laughter all around us. There is also much hurt and grief that permeates this season. We don’t gloss over the pain or hide it until after the celebrations. Jesus came to take our pain on Himself and to transform us with His joy.

And joy isn’t a shallow feeling, it’s a deep trust, a childlike wonder knowing that God has saved us, we are safe when we are in the centre of His will.

Christ’s joy and our joy is made complete when we come together with our brothers and sisters, with our neighbours to celebrate and enjoy the free gift of grace that is ours. Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns!

By James M.
MAF in South Sudan

When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, their message was simple yet world-changing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” (Luke 2:14 NIV)

Peace. It’s a word we all long for – but one that can feel painfully out of reach. Many of us live in lands where peace has been broken time and again – where fear, division and uncertainty have become familiar companions. South Sudan, where we have lived these past 9 years, has known the sounds of civil war and prolonged unrest for decades, and even when the guns fall silent, the wounds remain.

Last month, our family experienced something rare and beautiful. Our daughter, who serves in another nation also marked by sustained civil unrest, joined us for a holiday in Kenya where life is much more calm and stable. As we walked through an island wildlife sanctuary enjoying close encounters with wild animals (safe because no natural predators were on the island), it struck me how fragile and temporary earthly peace can be. Borders shift, governments change and calm can vanish overnight. The world’s peace depends on circumstances.

But the peace Jesus offers – the peace the angels sang about – is different. It’s not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ. It’s a peace that begins in the heart, where fear and guilt once ruled, and extends outward to shape how we live, forgive and hope. Isaiah called Him the Prince of Peace, and through His death and resurrection, Jesus made peace between God and us. Because of Him, we can know a peace that no war, no unrest and no uncertainty can destroy.

So this Christmas, we pray for our MAF staff in countries around the world, many living in uncertain times or through the sadness of being far from loved ones. As we pray for them let’s remember that true peace is not found in treaties or safe borders – it is found in the Saviour who came to dwell among us. May His peace rule in our hearts and overflow through our lives into a world still aching for the hope of Bethlehem. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).

By Chris Barnes
CEO, MAF in Australia

As Christmas approaches, we’re reminded that hope is a gift – one meant to be shared. When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10 NIV). That moment changed everything. The shepherds didn’t keep the news to themselves – they ran to see and then they ran to tell. Hope moves us outward.

Whenever I visit MAF programs I am struck by just how tangible that hope is. For the isolated community, MAF represents more than a means of transport; it represents connection, care and a reminder that they aren’t forgotten. There is a sense of relief and joy as the MAF team unload supplies and greet local partners.

In these moments, I see what “hope renewed” really means. It’s not always loud or dramatic – sometimes it’s the quiet arrival of help, the steady presence of people who care or the faithful prayers that keep others going. Through MAF’s ministry, and through your prayers and support, that kind of hope continues to travel – across mountains, over rivers and into the hearts of the isolated.

This Advent, we celebrate the light and hope of Christ that first broke through in Bethlehem – a hope that still shines through every MAF staff member, every flight, every supporter who chooses to pray or to give, and to every person touched by God through our mission. Together, we are part of the same story: God’s gift of hope being shared with the world!

As we reach the final week of Advent, may your heart be filled with gratitude and peace. May you know how deeply your prayers and generosity matter – and may your own hope be renewed by our God Who makes all things new.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 (NIV).