Confirmation is commonly seen as a rite of initiation in several Christian denominations, normally carried out through anointing, the laying on of hands - usually by a bishop - and prayer for the purpose of bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Those being confirmed traditionally are of an age when they are deemed ready to take on the responsibility of their Christian vows, which were made on their behalf at the time of their infantile baptism by parents, godparents, family and supporters.

During the above preparation classes I had the opportunity to offer a short session on the Bible and its place in the life of a Christian. 

In the above classes, a series of interviews shown via DVDs, allowed for a variety of Christian-thinking persons to offer what it means to have God in their lives. 

One such point, made by a theoretical physicist from Oxford University, was that if we decide to accept that there is a God (in comparison to just instinctively saying there isn’t a God) and let God into our lives, what a wonderful difference that can make. Mr theoretical physicist goes on to say that one way to “find out about God” is through reading the Bible.

For myself, having spent many hours in the study of the Bible’s content and meanings, ‘God’s biography’ (as I have come to know it) opens up so much more for one’s life and future than say, the biography of people like Sir Donald Bradman or Robert Hawke (whose biographies I have copies of, and which don’t offer anything vaguely like what God’s biography does).

For mine, a sad indictment on humans’ short time on earth is that many may miss the wonderful grace of God, outlined in the Christian Bible and available to all.

As the theoretical physicist above suggests ... at least give ‘it’ a real chance. You could be surprised. 

Michael Middleton, Orange