The apostle John saw many visions or signs in heaven while exiled on the island of Patmos. The Lord showed him these signs so that he could write them down in the book of Revelation-the last book of the New Testament. One of the signs in heaven was a beautiful woman clothed with the sun, adorned with a crown of stars, and standing on the moon. John also saw a seven-headed dragon waiting nearby, threatening the woman and her unborn child. When the baby boy was born, he was lifted up to God and His throne to protect him. Then Michael and his angels fought the dragon and defeated him.

Centuries later, the Lord revealed that the signs in heaven, described in the book of Revelation, are prophecies about a New Church. These prophecies were fulfilled when the Lord gave a new revelation through Emanuel Swedenborg called the Heavenly Doctrines. We celebrate the birth of the New Church on June 19th because on this day in 1770 the Lord sent His twelve disciples throughout the spiritual world to preach the Gospel that the Lord Jesus Christ reigns.

This month we are focusing on several "great signs in heaven" seen by John: the woman clothed with the sun, the dragon, and the angel Michael. We hope that these projects, family activities, and worship suggestions will help you and your family celebrate the birth of the New Church.