Advent Readings 2021

Advent is the Latin word for arrival or coming and is the period of four weeks before Christmas that we set aside to celebrate Jesus’ coming into our world.  We remember that Jesus is coming again and eagerly await his return – when he will come as a Mighty King to make all things new; to redeem this broken world from its hurt, trouble, and tragedy. We call out with anticipation – come Lord Jesus, come!

This year we offer Advent fold-outs for you to reflect on scripture and remember God’s redemption in the lead up to Christmas, when we celebrate the amazing and ultimate gift of Jesus’ birth. You may choose to use them as a personal devotion, or to encourage your small group or congregation. Each week starts on the designated Sunday of Advent, with the season beginning 28 November 2021.

For thousands of years God’s people around the world have sung hymns, psalms, waiata and choruses to remember God’s grand story and to answer with the only possible human response: worship. Artists have painted, carved, stitched, and written beautiful compositions and creations to reflect and participate in this particular season of the church year. We will be sharing additional resources for each week right here! – including recommended songs, poems, reflections and other creative pieces. Check back later for these.

We invite you to join us in reflection and worship through this Advent and Christmas season of 2021.

 

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 1:9

Ko te mārama pono tērā, arā, ko te mārama e mārama ai ngā tāngata katoa e haere mai ana ki te ao.
Hoani 1:9




FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our “Advent Readings” on the Sunday of each week – beginning on the first day of Advent: Sunday, 28 November. You can chew on it all week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy! 

Common themes for the first week of Advent include: waiting, hope, and expectancy.


SCRIPTURE


Jeremiah 33:14-16 Heremaia 33:14-16    

Psalm 25:1-9 Waiata 25:1-9

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 1 Teharonika 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36 Ruka 21:25-36

*Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season. 

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week. 

The Lord is Coming (Scott Mulvahill)

I Wait (All Sons and Daughters)

Hope of Israel (Michael W. Smith)

Wait for the Lord (Taizé)


VISUAL ART


This piece of art was from a difficult time in my life when I felt frustrated, hopeless and broken. I experienced that restoring joy is to praise God and meditate on his promises for me and trust that His promises of justice and righteousness will be delivered in His time. I also meditated on this perspective through the song Blessings (by Laura Story) which says “What if your blessings come through raindrops. What if your healing comes through tears. What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.”

Wait for the Lord, watch for the Lord, hope for the Lord.
Amy Udy, Counselling Student




“The days are coming,” said the Lord to Jeremiah, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people...” (Jeremiah 33:14). What good promise? That a blessed one would come, that they would change everything, that a new day would dawn in the history of the world. Immanuel - lover, redeemer, restorer - came to bear and attend our brokenness; yet at advent we also recall our expectancy of the now-but-not-yet quality. We are both satisfied and unsatisfied, at rest and at unrest; we know that the Lord has more for us and we are excited! For me, this painting captures the texture of human and divine expectancy simultaneously, both now, and then; waiting on the dawn, excited by the promise.
Jess Hall, Library and Administration Assistant 


A REFLECTION


Advent is a time of waiting. 

As people, we aren’t good at waiting. I’m particularly poor at it. Despite not being good at it, I have known the frustrating, dispiriting, and at times painful, process of waiting. 

Recently, we have been trying to teach our children about waiting—particularly as they get older and are wanting to take on household chores as a first ‘job’. Children don’t want to wait for anything. They are naturally enthusiastic about spending their pocket money as soon as they receive it. The last thing they want to hear is a lecture on delayed gratification, and the joy of getting something really meaningful, that they saved a long time for. 

Of course, this is the world we live in. We want everything done quickly, and we want new technology to address the demands of our fast-moving lives, and to meet our growing impatience. The more technology caters to our ‘need for speed’, the less we feel willing to wait for things. 

Over the last two years, we have all experienced unprecedented seasons of waiting. New Zealand has been paralysed by lockdowns and Covid-19 outbreaks, while we wait and hope for this pandemic to leave us. Last year my family had to wait two weeks to buy toilet paper when the shelves went bare. Thus, waiting has never been more relevant. 

When we think about waiting, we tend to equate it with passivity—watching paint dry, or the clock tick. However, when the Bible speaks of waiting, it is often in the context of what happens in the waiting (Roman 5:3-4). While we wait, and assume we are doing nothing, God is using the wait to change us. 

Some of the key Biblical characters - Abraham, Moses, Joseph -had to practise the art of waiting. God’s promises often took them on a journey which prepared them for what was to come. 

On reflection, the best things in my life happened after a period of waiting. I waited for my husband, I waited for my children, for houses, for jobs—for everything that matters. Even though I felt frustrated and impatient at the time, I see now that those things came in God’s timing—when it was right. I’m learning that waiting on God is an important part of my Christian walk, and that God uses those times to prepare us for the fulfilment that is to come. 

Though life is busy and full, and the world is more uncertain than ever, as we approach Christmas, take this time to be more intentional about waiting. Advent is the season of expectation, where we prepare for God’s fulfilment. Make space for it, and to be present in it. 

Taryn Dryfhout, Professional Teaching Fellow


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.



These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!


An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.


CANDLE


Some churches and families light candles in an advent wreath for the first four Sundays of Advent. In this tradition, each candle represents a different theme in the weeks leading up to our celebration of Christ’s arrival: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday, and then every subsequent Sunday another candle is lit until all are lit. 

Burning candles are a symbol of our prayers rising to God. And they represent God’s presence with us. They also invite us to pause and reflect.

Make a wreath at home with your bubble with 4 different candles, or light one single candle each week while you read and reflect on Scripture and Jesus’ coming. 

You can read this prayer or say one of your own: 

Hope

Light the candle. 

Loving God, as I light this candle, I pray that hope will be lit in my heart. As I prepare to receive Christ again, help me to be faithful in hope, to know that you love the world and sent Jesus to save it. I pray that you will keep the fire of hope burning during Advent. Amen.



A PRAYER


A Prayer of Waiting

 

“The star for which the world is waiting, 

without yet being able to give it a name, 

or rightly appreciate its true transcendence, 

or even recognize the most spiritual and divine of its rays, 

is, Christ himself, 

in who we hope.” 

(Teilhard de Chardin, Le Milieu Divin, 1960).

 

It is you Christ, for whom we have waited without knowing it, and in meeting you we know who we really are – your people. 

Again this year, we stop to wait, in hope, in expectation of you coming to us in all humanness, in meekness and humility.

Our spirits patiently wait in expectation of your coming to us, Emmanuel.




SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our “Advent Readings” on the Sunday that begins each week. That way, you can reflect on it throughout the week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy!

Common themes for the second week of Advent include: preparation, repentance, peace, and sin/salvation.


SCRIPTURE


Malachi 3:1-4 Maraki 33:14-16         

Luke 1:67-79 Ruka 1:67-79 

Philippians 1:3-11 Piripai 3:9-13

Luke 3:1-6 Ruka 3:1-6

Psalm 80 Waiata 80

*Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season. 

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week. 

Saviour of the Nations, Come (Cardiphonia)

Song of Zechariah (The Gospel Coalition)

Handel's Messiah / Part 1: "Comfort ye, My people…"

Atonement (Michael W Smith)

Come Back / Psalm 80 (Melanie Waldman)


VISUAL ART


Advent celebrates the coming of Christ—who brings salvation, healing, and restoration for humanity and the whole cosmos. 

God's very good creation.


Chaos of sin... God's creation is disordered, but not destroyed.


Christ's advent brings redemption to all. The stitching represents Christ's all-pervasive salvation that encompasses all creation.

Karyn Ellwood, Theology Student


A REFLECTION


John the Baptist didn’t suddenly fall into his role. From birth, there was an expectation surrounding him. But still – imagine being John in that moment the Scriptures say, “the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” Imagine it; being brought into this relationship with God, so much so that you are entrusted with heralding the message of God's salvation, preparing the way for the Saviour himself. What a calling!

Oftentimes in our quest for humility, we tend to downplay what we have been called into, and the danger of this is that it robs us of the wonder of our calling. Yet, perhaps, humility is better found when we focus on the awesomeness and wonder of our calling and allow the knowledge of that grace and salvation to overwhelm us in a myriad of ways. 

Because the truth is, we don’t have to imagine what it would have been like for John when he was finally called. We only need to remember…

We too have been called into this relationship with our creator. And we too have been called to herald the good news of God’s salvation. This is our reality!

Think about it. 

Dwell on it. 

Breathe it in. 

As we look forward to this special time of year, take time to remember the reality of where you are in life (saved) and how you got there. It is a simple act, but it is often one that slides into the realm of normality – so “normal” that we forget to do it. But, one could argue, being saved by God and called as a messenger of God’s salvation is anything but normal. 

May the Word of God come to you wherever you are as you wait for his coming

May the weight of God’s calling be a source of joy and encouragement

May the reality of God’s salvation be a sweet and tender touch to your soul

May you look forward to heralding this to the world.

Amen.

Naylor Owen, Manukau Campus Co-ordinator & Student Support


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.



These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!


An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.



CANDLE


Some churches and families light candles in an advent wreath for the first four Sundays of Advent. In this tradition, each candle represents a different theme in the weeks leading up to our celebration of Christ’s arrival: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday, and then every subsequent Sunday another candle is lit until all are lit. 

Burning candles are a symbol of our prayers rising to God. And they represent God’s presence with us. They also invite us to pause and reflect.

Make a wreath at home with your bubble with 4 different candles, or light one single candle each week while you read and reflect on Scripture and Jesus’ coming. 

You can read this prayer or say one of your own:

Peace

Light the candle. 

Heavenly Father, in lighting this candle, I pray that I will know a fresh sense of peace, a new vision of peace, knowing that you are God – Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver. In looking to you, I pray that I may know a taste of this peace that passes all understanding, as I look forward to your coming, as the Prince of Peace. Amen.


A PRAYER


He Came Bringing Salvation
A Prayer of Thanks

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 
(Luke 1: 78-79 NRSV)

Jesus, you came to us through the tender mercy of God. Through your coming the dawn broke into our lives as individuals, families, churches, communities. You are the Light who shines on those who are hidden in darkness, bowed down by trouble. You guide us in the paths of peace. Again, this year, we look to your coming, to the breaking of the dawn, the light in the darkness. 





THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our Advent Readings on the Sunday that begins each week. That way, you can reflect on it throughout the week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy!

Common themes for the third week of Advent include: rejoice, do not fear, God is here, good news!


SCRIPTURE


Zephaniah 3:14-20  Tepania 3:14-20 

Isaiah 12:2-6  Ihāia 12:2-6 

Philippians 4:4-7  Piripai 4:4-7 

Luke 3:7-18  Ruka 3:7-18

*Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season. 

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week.

Joy to the World (The Spirituals Choir)

Light of the World/Sing Hallelujah (We the Kingdom)

Joy – As Far as the Curse is Found (Caroline Cobb)

Gaudete (Prima Luce)

Joy, Joy!!! (Bifrost Arts)


VISUAL ART


This image was inspired by several of this week’s Scripture passages. 

Luke 3:16
John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”.

Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Zephaniah 3:14, 17
Sing, Daughter Zion, shout aloud, Israel!
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

  


This graphic aims to capture the blues of the water, the fire of the Holy Spirit, the singing and shouting, the safety of our protector, and an imperfect star. Even though we are not perfect or can feel unworthy, we find joy in hearing and knowing the good news. ‘The Holy One of Israel is in our midst’

Pio Mulipola, Graphic Designer


A REFLECTION


“Rejoice in the Lord”

For those who know me, it would come as no surprise that one of my favourite bands is U2. I’m not a hardcore fan where I have travelled around the world to see their concerts; in fact, I’ve only been to two! On both occasions I’ve taken my buddy Matt. Matt’s been a part of my life for 26 years. I first met him when he was 5 when I became his community support worker for the IHC. Even though to begin with I was paid to care for him, he and his family became an important part of my family. I love Matt; we’ve had a lot of joyful times together. Two of those times were at U2 concerts in 2010 and 2019. Matt rejoiced at both of those concerts because they played his favourite song, “Elevation”. I rejoiced because they played Matt’s favourite song and I didn’t have to explain why they didn’t on the way home. 

One of my favourite songs from U2’s “No Line on the Horizon” album is “Magnificent”.[1] They don’t play this one at their concerts, but as I listened to it recently, I began to reflect upon the fact that it is a hymn of praise. Part way through the song, as the energy builds, Bono sings:

I was born I was born to sing for you,

I didn’t have a choice, but to lift you up

And sing whatever song you wanted me to

I give you back my voice from the womb

My first cry, it was a joyful noise…

There is no option but to joyfully praise God—the cry of a new-born baby is a joyful noise as it takes its first breath. The song centres on a response to God’s magnificent promise which is found in the unifying love of Christ. Further in the song Bono sings:

Only love

Only love can leave such a mark

But only love

Only love unites our hearts

Justified ‘til we die

You and I will magnify

Oh, oh, oh magnificent

Magnificent.

The Apostle Paul talks about rejoicing too, followed by words of comfort in some times of trial in Philippians 4: 4—7: 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

At this time in the history of the world, when we face all sorts of challenges because of the Covid pandemic, where we navigate uncertain times never experienced by many of us in Aotearoa New Zealand, or indeed much of the world, we are reminded that we should not be anxious, and that we are called to a posture of gentleness with one another – unified in Christ. May these words of comfort, which call us to not be afraid, also be filled in awe of the Magnificent promises for which we hold. And while things seem uncertain and fraught at times because of how we need to be for now, may there be times of rejoicing; much like Matt’s when U2 played his favourite song.

Fiona Sherwin, Student Support Manager 

Magnificent by U2

[1] U2, Magnificent, No Line on the Horizon (Universal - Island Records, 2009).


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.



These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!


An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.


CANDLE


Some churches and families light candles in an advent wreath for the first four Sundays of Advent. In this tradition, each candle represents a different theme in the weeks leading up to our celebration of Christ’s arrival: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday, and then every subsequent Sunday another candle is lit until all are lit. 

Burning candles are a symbol of our prayers rising to God. And they represent God’s presence with us. They also invite us to pause and reflect.

Make a wreath at home with 4 different candles, or light one single candle each week while you read and reflect on Scripture and Jesus’ coming. 

You can read this prayer or say one of your own:

Joy

Light the candle. 

Thank you, God, that through your Son, light shone in the darkness. I thank you that the angels rejoiced at the good news of Jesus’ impending birth; and I too can know joy at your light and hope entering the world. Amen.


A PRAYER


Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing

Heavenly Father - thank you for sending your son to be God-with-us. Jesus, our Lord and King has come. We prepare our hearts and lives to welcome him. 

Jesus - come and fill us with your joy! We sing out with all of creation at this very good news – you, the Lord, are near. 

Holy Spirit - tune our ears that we may hear heaven and nature singing out. Fill our lungs with your breath and our lips with your praise so that we can join in their song.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come!






FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our Advent Readings on the Sunday that begins each week. That way, you can reflect on it throughout the week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy!

Common themes for the fourth week of Advent include: God’s love becomes human, the promised child will bring peace, behold – here comes Jesus, my soul magnifies the Lord.


SCRIPTURE


Micah 5:2-5a  Mika 5:2-5a 

Luke 1:39-56  Ruka 1:39-56 

Hebrews 10:5-10  Ngā Hiperu 10:5-10

Revelation 22:6-21 Whakakitenga 22:6-21


Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season.

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week.

Handel’s Messiah/Part 1 – “Behold, a virgin shall conceive” (Tafelmusik)

Of the Father’s Love Begotten (Out of Darkness)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Anna Hawkins)

Te Kaiwhakaora O Te Ao (Theia)

Mary’s Song (Ordinary Time)


VISUAL ART


The invitation to Mary - Mary's yes was a lifetime yes. A yes to rumours and suspicion of her, a yes to faith in God's messenger. I often think of the tension between the wonder of this invitation and the loneliness of it. This piece is about Mary drawing into the promise of the divine messenger and ways in which we, believers, are invited to be hid in Christ. This piece invites me to lean towards the promises of God and find shelter in those places even when they feel lonely. It is her wondering, Magnificat, and her deep trust in God. 

Miriam Fisher, Education Lecturer

As I thought about the joy and wonder of our Saviour’s birth, I realised that it was the promise of his salvation that gives even more joy. As I thought of the precious baby Mary brought into the world, I also remembered that this baby was her Saviour too. The two koru represent the time when Mary, as a mum, just loved this babe; her son, her Redeemer, and ours. It also made me think of how closely the emotions of love, compassion and brokenness, and sometimes joy, sit.  

Wendy Fowler, Education Lecturer


A REFLECTION


Advent is about anticipation…

Anticipation when used as a noun can be defined as “the state of being happy and excited about something good that is expected or predicted to happen in the future”. In contrast, you can experience anticipation as an expectation or prediction that things will not turn out for good. Much like my brother’s prediction of the loss of the All Black’s against England in the 2019 World Cup after half time. I have experienced both states of anticipation; one more than another at times depending on what was happening in my life as a solo parent with two children.

Thinking of both my children when they were young - the weekend was full of anticipation for the arrival of whānau, Nana and Grandpa. Nana for her superior cooking skills (honed over many dinosaur years I would repeat loudly and often to my children) and Grandpa for his solid presence, humour, seemingly deep pockets for his mokopuna and his indomitable knowledge of all sports. These happy times were in stark contrast to my children anticipating visits and gifts from their father, who often did not fulfil his promises and cancelled. 

This is the world in which we live of course. A world of broken promises and dashed expectations. Across Aotearoa, nearly 25% of all families are single parent families. One quarter of the nation’s families are predominantly without a father. The absentee father in our homes across the nation is a huge problem.

In the Bible the role of fathers is important - in being the leader and protector of the family. My father was this to my children, his mokopuna. My whole whānau helped me raise them. I am reminded that had Joseph not believed the message of the angel that Jesus was conceived by Wairua Tapu, that Mary could very well have been a solo parent herself. What would have become of her and Jesus? 

Thankfully, we already know. On reflection, the relationships we experience as individuals and in families, as man and wife, siblings, two parents or one parent and child/ren, are all oiled by expectation. We expect good things of the people that matter to us. Are we right to have these expectations of people? What happens when inevitably, those expectations can’t be satisfied? Throughout his work, C. S. Lewis explores the idea that our desire to expect, to anticipate, to predict something good that will happen in the future comes from our desire for heaven. In Mere Christianity Lewis suggests that if we find in ourselves “a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."[1] He offers that this ultimately points us towards one true object of that deepest desire, the Creator, Christ.

This Advent we are dramatically called to expect, to anticipate, to desire something big! The anticipation of the creation of a new world. A new world in which absent fathers, broken promises, unfulfilled expectations do not exist. This something big will be a time of restoration, fulfilment and the anticipation of a big promise (Luke 1:39-56). A promise in which C.S. Lewis describes as the one true object of that deepest desire, within us, will be satiated in the fulfilment of the birth of the baby Jesus.

Lorraine Taogaga, Kaiwhakaako reo Māori – Māori Language Teacher

[1] C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (London: Fount, 1997) 113.


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.


These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!


An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.


CANDLE


Some churches and families light candles in an advent wreath for the first four Sundays of Advent. In this tradition, each candle represents a different theme in the weeks leading up to our celebration of Christ’s arrival: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday, and then every subsequent Sunday another candle is lit until all are lit. 

Burning candles are a symbol of our prayers rising to God. And they represent God’s presence with us. They also invite us to pause and reflect.

Make a wreath at home with 4 different candles, or light one single candle each week while you read and reflect on Scripture and Jesus’ coming. 

You can read this prayer or say one of your own:

Love

Light the candle. 

Loving God, as I light this candle of love, I remember again how Jesus came to us through love – that you so loved the world, that you gave Jesus for us. I pray that I might continue to know the sustaining, all-embracing love of God in my life at this time; and that I might express that enduring love to those around me. Amen.


A SONNET


O Emmanuel

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us
O long-sought With-ness for a world without,
O secret seed, O hidden spring of light.

Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name
Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame,
O quickened little wick so tightly curled,
Be folded with us into time and place,
Unfold for us the mystery of grace
And make a womb of all this wounded world.

O heart of heaven beating in the earth,
O tiny hope within our hopelessness
Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,
To touch a dying world with new-made hands
And make these rags of time our swaddling bands.

Shared with permission from Malcolm Guite





CHRISTMAS WEEK


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our Advent Readings on the Sunday that begins each week. That way, you can reflect on it throughout the week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy!

We are stretching out our Christmas focus for the whole week! Common themes include: Jesus is here!, Jesus as the light of the world – the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, Mighty Counsellor, glory to God in the highest! 


SCRIPTURE


Isaiah 9:2-7  Ihāia 9:2-7 

Psalm 96  Waiata 96 

Titus 2:11-14  Taituha 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-20  Ruka 2:1-20 


Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season.

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week.

Tapu te Pō (Maisey Rika)

Jesus, What a Wonderful Child (Stevie Mackey)

O Come Let Us Adore Him (SisterBrother)

Te Harinui (David Lyle Morris)

Handel’s Messiah – “For unto us a child is born” (London Symphony Orchestra)

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (Caitelen)

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – An Animation (Full of Eyes)


VISUAL ART


This quote from Madeleine L'Engle captured my imagination, so I set to stitching it as prayerful meditation. I find the birth of Jesus anchors me deeply in the humanity of Christ and yet somewhere there is, there must be, space to contemplate the divinity. To think of this baby, God and human, as the eternal Word who spoke all things into being, part of the Trinity, whose imagination set stars and atoms in their courses. God come, to us, God with us - humanity and holiness in a squalling infant. I'm not sure I will ever get beyond the mystery and wonder of it. 

Miriam Fisher, Education Lecturer 

I have always been enraptured with the incarnation of Christ. In this painting, I wanted to interpretively visualise the moment when Emmanuel becomes a tangible reality. This ‘divine touchdown’ communicates something of the awesomeness of this event – the stars are rocked, the dawn breaks – as well as the zeal and willingness with which God becomes human. I love these words from Karl Barth, “He [Jesus] is pleased to be nothing but the One who is supremely compromised” by fellow humanity. We have seen a great light, let all rejoice, for to us a child is born (Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96).

Jess Hall, Library and Administration Assistant

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Sam Burrows, Education Lecturer


A REFLECTION


One of my all time favourite movies is a 1992 Australian B Grade movie by director Baz Luhrmann called “Strictly Ballroom.” I won’t tell you anything about it except to say that the one line that has stuck with me for nearly 30 years is: “A life lived in fear, is a life half lived.” It’s an old Spanish proverb. I suggest you watch the movie; it will make you laugh, cry and probably cringe. 

The first time I encountered real fear, was in January 2005 and by the end of that month I was crippled by it. I had plunged into a darkness that was both heavy and overwhelming. I lived in that darkness of uncertainty, anxiety and loss of hope for many months. 

I have been reminded of this period when I “walked in darkness” many times these last two years as I have pastorally encountered students describing the blanket of darkness they feel settled over them as they have struggled with their own anxiety and uncertainty. The unknown future of these Covid times have left some questioning their hope. 

The Christmas of 2005 was the first time Isaiah 9:2-7 came alive for me. It was very powerful. God used this Scripture to shine His “great light” into my darkness. The words from the prophet Isaiah, spoken thousands of years ago to God’s people, were an injection of hope for me. The hope of Emmanuel, God with us. The only three times Emmanuel is used in Scripture is Isaiah 7:14, 8:8 and Matthew 1:23. 

Isaiah 9:6-7 (The Message)

For a child has been born—for us!
    the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
    the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counsellor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
    and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He’ll rule from the historic David throne
    over that promised kingdom.
He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing
    and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
    beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies
    will do all this.

For a child will be born – for us! 

The gift of a son – for us!

And there will be no limits to the wholeness he brings!

These verses were a healing balm of light and hope to this weary soul. This Amazing Counsellor, Strong God, Eternal Father and Prince of Wholeness is the One promised and birthed; One far greater than we can imagine or hope for. Emmanuel is the One who comes afresh to us this Advent, in 2021. Shining his great light into our darkness. Bringing hope and wholeness.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 24-25)

Gill Pawson, Campus Manager - Christchurch


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.


These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!


An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.


CANDLE


Some churches and families light candles in an advent wreath for the first four Sundays of Advent. In this tradition, each candle represents a different theme in the weeks leading up to our celebration of Christ’s arrival: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday, and then every subsequent Sunday another candle is lit until all are lit. On Christmas Eve or Day some also light a Christ candle. 

Burning candles are a symbol of our prayers rising to God. And they represent God’s presence with us. They also invite us to pause and reflect.

Make a wreath at home with 4 (or 5) different candles, or light one single candle each week while you read and reflect on Scripture and Jesus’ arrival.  

You can read this prayer or say one of your own:


Christ Candle

Light the candle. 

God who brings us hope and reconciliation, who draws us to yourself, we thank you that your light has come to us in Emmanuel. Today, let us give thanks with joy for the coming of Christ into the world. May that light spread into every part of the world, so that peace and kindness may transform the world from darkness into light.


A PRAYER


We call out to the Everlasting Father when we’re in deep darkness because the child has been born who is the light of the world! 

Jesus, shine your light into our darkness!

We join our song with all of creation – the glad heavens, the rejoicing earth, the roaring sea, the exulting field and the singing forest. We tell of God’s salvation, declare Christ’s glory, revere him above all gods, and sing for joy! For the Lord is coming again. 

Great are you Lord and greatly to be praised! We worship you in holy splendour. 

We wait for your blessed hope. We wait for the manifestation of your glory - our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

God, your grace has already appeared and brought salvation to us all! We wait for you to come again.

As we read and remember the story of your first coming – your first advent – strengthen us in our inner beings that we might be as attentive and responsive as the shepherds, as faith-filled as Joseph, as courageous and trusting as Mary and as quick to praise as the angels. 

We, too, want to stand in amazement and ponder these things in our hearts. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace among those whom he favours.” (Luke 2:14)





EPIPHANY


We recommend that you read the Scripture passage and short reflection in our Advent Readings on the Sunday that begins each week. That way, you can reflect on it throughout the week. Below are some additional resources for consideration, wondering, and worship during this season. Enjoy!

At the end of Christmas we move through the twelve days of Christmas that take us to Epiphany—traditionally observed on 6 January. Common themes for Epiphany include: “arise, shine for your light has come”, the incarnation, the glory of the Lord in our midst.   


SCRIPTURE


Isaiah 60:1-6  Ihāia 60:1-6 

Psalm 72  Waiata 72 

Ephesians 3:1-12  Epeha 3:1-12 

Matthew 2:1-12  Matiu 2:1-12


Note: For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2021 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season.

From: Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

You can download the 2021 (for Advent and Christmas) and 2022 (up to Epiphany) versions of the lectionary. 

Another resource is the Vanderbilt Divinity Library


FOR LISTENING


Some musical compositions for this week.

Arise, Shine for Your Light has Come (Cardiphonia)

Psalm 72 – O God to Thine Anointed King (Gregory Wilbur) 

Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling (Virtual Choir – Holy Innocents Church)

We Three Kings (Lecrae and Crossroads Music)

I Can Only Imagine (Mercy Me)


VISUAL ART


For Epiphany, the image of the three Magi from the east looking to find baby Jesus to worship him and bring gifts comes to mind. Instead of depicting them crossing the desert, I created a landscape that can be interpreted as winter - inspired by German winter that I am experiencing right now. This highlights that all around the world, no matter the season, many people celebrate this specific day.


This piece focuses on the Lord’s light and glory covering the earth and defeating the darkness. I find it helpful to have a visualisation in front of me to realise how big of a deal something is. "Your light has come (…) and His glory appears over you!" Praise the Lord. 

Franziska Schreiner, (Former) Laidlaw Graphic Designer

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
   and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
   and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
   and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
   and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
   All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
   and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
   your heart will throb and swell with joy…” 

(Isaiah 60:1-5) 

I created this painting to look like how worshipping God feels in the body. The figure is oriented towards the heavens in a moment of devoted abandon which is felt in every curve. In this final week of the Advent and Christmas season, we welcome the glory of God pouring out on the cosmos and welling up in every atom of our bodies, banishing the darkness and emptiness. Brothers and sisters, in the wake of God’s glory, let your face flush with radiance and your heart throb with joy.

Jess Hall, Library and Administration Assistant


A REFLECTION


Epiphany is a time of wonder!

The Jews had waited hundreds of years for the coming of God’s great deliverer, the Messiah. 400 years of watching, waiting, expecting. 

The stars were silent. The Spirit was quiet. The prophets were still. 

The Jerusalem news agencies were reporting the normal deaths by donkeys and the rate of wheat inflation. Rumours out of Rome were threatening increased taxation. The weather seemed to be getting warmer every year, and the fish in the nets were fewer. Life rumbled on. The rich got richer, and the poor got poorer. 

The stars were silent. The Spirit was quiet. The prophets were still.

Or so it seemed. But God did what God always does; he turned up in the most unexpected places and in the most unexpected ways.

Epiphany!

Once silent stars awoke and spoke in tongues of light (Isaiah 601-6). An eastern star led the rest in speaking for God. A star. In the east. Spoke for God. “Follow me,” it said, by beams of light. And follow they did (Matt 2:2). In this humble and lowly place lies the one you have been looking for all your life but did not know it. Here in a manger is the King of the Jews (Matt 2:9)! “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed” (Matt 2:10).

Epiphany! The stars still speak.

Once thought absent, the Spirit returns. Present at the beginning to create, present at the start leading Israel to the Promised Land, present in the exile and present in the kingdom, present in the palace and present in the field, the Spirit was again present (Eph 3:5). Present to the virgin Mary in gifting a baby—Jesus (Matt 1:18). Present to Elizabeth’s unborn son at the news of the Saviour (Luke 1:41). Present in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod.  

Epiphany! The Spirit is still Present.

Inactive prophets are now commissioned to service. Simeon’s tired eyes now see clearly, “for my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 3:30). Anna’s old body was injected with new life as she saw Jesus and proclaimed the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). John leapt for joy in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15, 41). Through older women and men, and even through unborn infants, God speaks. 

Epiphany! The prophets still live. 

“May his name endure forever;     may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,      and they will call him blessed.

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,     who alone does marvellous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever;     may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.” (Psalm 72:17-19)

Epiphany! The Saviour has come.

Christ appeared to the Magi, Mary, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna. Epiphany is the realisation that Christ still appears today. Christ is saying to you and I what he said to Zaccheus all those years ago, “I must come to your house” (Luke 19:5-6). Zaccheus, of course, received the Lord with gladness, and salvation came to his house. We can rejoice that salvation comes to all those who welcome Christ. 

Epiphany is a time of wonder!

Myk Habets, Head of School of Theology 


WHĀNAU AND TAMARIKI ACTIVITY


We have prepared an activity based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download this week's right here.


These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations! 

We would love to see pictures of you and your whānau engaging with Advent – please share them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us so we can see!

An advent karakia: 

As we get ready for Christmas we remember, loving God, that in Jesus you came to live with us and rescue us. Jesus, we think of you as a little vulnerable baby, and we remember you know what it is like to be a child like us.


A PRAYER


Jesus, we want to see you—that we might be radiant and our hearts might thrill and rejoice as your glory appears over us. 

Jesus, we look forward to the day when you will judge the world with your righteous justice. We look forward to a time when you deliver the needy, help the helpless, pity and strengthen the weak, crush the oppressor and redeem the lives of the oppressed! Blessed be your holy name. May your glory fill the whole earth!

We thank you, Father, for revealing the marvellous mystery of Christ. Enliven us as your church that we may participate in your plan and joyfully share the news of the boundless riches in Christ for all people. 

Jesus, we want to search for you as diligently and persistently as the wise men did. Help us to notice your mysterious and marvellous, your ordinary and extra-ordinary leading, that we may be surprised and filled with joy when we finally notice your presence.