This is indeed a holy season. This is a season of light shining in the shadows. And the shadows will not overcome it. This is a season where we allow God to light hope, peace, joy and love on the wicks of our lives. This is a season of thin spaces where the distance between […]
Read full textAdvent 1A
Do not be afraid, an Advent reflection on Matthew 1:18-21 — Debbie Haseman, USA
Matthew 1:18-21 — Joseph’s Dream How often do you hear a voice telling you to not be afraid? Maybe it isn’t a “voice” exactly, but maybe more like a sense of something bigger than yourself. We live in times where there is much to fear. And, yet, I often find myself wondering about all times. […]
Read full textAdvent & Christmas Images
A picture is worth a thousand words. When using an image, please acknowledge the photographer or artist.
Read full textChristmas Carol, The Birth of a Baby — George Stuart, Australia
A Christmas Carol for Today Tune: The Ash Grove The birth of a baby Can kindle just maybe A spark of compassion for all humankind. At Christmas we wonder, Amazed as we ponder A sight that stirs love in our heart and our mind. A babe so dependent, A human descendant, So fragile and helpless […]
Read full textMeasuring Time, an Advent reflection — Angie Combs, USA
An Advent Reflection 525,600 minutes. The opening song to the Broadway musical “Rent” tells us that in a single year, there are 525,600 minutes. The song then asks, how do you measure a year? Is it in daylights? Sunsets? Midnights? Cups of coffee? Inches? Miles? Laugher? Smiles? Psalm 90 talks about time, both our own […]
Read full textFrom darkness to light: the Advent procession –Salisbury Cathedral, UK
This annual service, ‘From Darkness to Light’, held in Salisbury Cathedral starts in complete darkness. A single candle is lit, and the light spreads throughout the cathedral until hundreds of lights burn brightly illuminating the vastness. These words from the programme set the scene: “The darkness is at one and the same time a comforting […]
Read full textAdvent vestry prayer — UK
Bless us this advent Sunday. Thank you for the joy we find spending time with one another as the excitement of Jesus’s birth becomes infectious. Bless us and those taking part in the service and give them courage, peace and strength to overcome any nerves. Let us celebrate this special Sunday together as the family […]
Read full textPsalm 122, contemporary versions — Zambia & UK
The first three contemporary versions of Psalm 122, variations on a theme, were written collaboratively by groups of theology and ministry students at the United Church of Zambia University, Mindolo. The fourth version arises from the United Kingdom. Psalm 122 is a reading for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A. Psalm 122 — arising […]
Read full textAdvent reflection from a young mother — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Eternal One, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, From everlasting to everlasting You are God. — Psalm 90:1-2 Bright eyes take in all the world. Tiny hands wave and reach and hold. Feet kick and push. […]
Read full textLas Posadas, Seeking room in the inn — Mexico
Las Posadas, a Mexican Advent tradition stretches from 16 December through Christmas, during which actors depict Mary and Joseph looking for lodging. They travel throughout the town or city, followed by a procession of children and other members of the community carrying candles. A song is traditionally sung at each ‘inn’ along the way. Las Posadas — Jim Burklo, […]
Read full textBlue Christmas Prayer — Fiona Hulbert, UK
Our God, we gather together in the bleak midwinter. Those who have much to thank you for, who rejoice in your goodness, and those who look out on a landscape of broken dreams and hardly dare to hope for Good News. Those whose hearts and homes are full of Christmas joy, and those whose Christmas […]
Read full textMysterious Paradoxes, a Christmas reflection — Lauren Mallaby, Australia
Mysterious paradoxes collide in this story. A story of a baby, Born into nothing, Yet born into everything. Born in a shed, But born in love, And is love And brings love. The paradox of a young woman, Not yet wedded, Blessed to bring life, Into this world that needs life Needs hope Requires love. […]
Read full textHope Haiku — Loey Powell, USA
Hope when pressed to earth Will find nourishment and life In truths long buried.
Read full textOn waiting — T.S. Eliot
“I said to my soul, be still and wait without hope, for hope would be hope for the wrong thing; wait without love, for love would be love of the wrong thing; there is yet faith, but the faith and the love are all in the waiting. Wait without thought, for you are not ready […]
Read full textAdvent
What words herald the Advent season? Familiar? New? Light-hearted? Reflective? Here are Advent worship resources from around the world to explore and use: Scroll down to find: Advent prayers and worship resources Advent songs, carols & music Complete services, Dramas, Nativities and Christmas Pageants Advent prayers and worship resources: Advent songs, carols & music: Complete […]
Read full textAdvent Devotional — Joanna Hipp, Presbyterians for Earth Care, USA
This beautiful and thoughtful Advent devotional has been shared through the generosity of Presbyterians for Earth Care. Download a PDF copy in full colour: 2018-Advent-Devotional-Presbyterians for Earth Care, USA Presbyterians for Earth Care have created thoughtful and challenging, as well as beautiful, Advent and Lenten devotionals for several years. Click here to explore their archive […]
Read full textAdvent Prayer — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA
Holy God, during this busy season of Advent, We pray for our World. We seek your light in the midst of darkness, Your peace in the midst of violence, Your love in the midst of discord, Your courage in the face of fear, And your wisdom to guide us. Help us to be messengers […]
Read full textOpen Table service — Are Angels still speaking?
Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued. Compiled and written by Ana Gobledale, UK Theme: Are Angels still speaking? What does the Bible say about angels? What do you think about angels? This complete worship service . . . weaves together scripture, song, reflection […]
Read full textLight a little candle, Matthew 2:1-2– Jeremy McLeod, Colorado USA
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ — Matthew 2:1-2 Light a […]
Read full textOpen Table service – Advent
Open Table Worship uses inclusive language and imagery for intimate worship settings at which everyone is welcome and valued Advent Theme: Hope: Light in the darkness A complete worship service weaving together scripture, song, reflection & conversation Compiled & written by Ana Gobledale for Open Table This service is designed for a congregation gathered around tables. It […]
Read full textHope, Luke 3:5-6 — Kay Lowe-Wendling, USA
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. — Luke 3: 5-6 Every valley shall be filled: may our low places, our wrong doings of the past, […]
Read full textDecember prayer of thanks — anon
This month I desire to be still and know that You are God! To marvel in the miracle of You becoming flesh! To be continually mindful that You are a Light of revelation to me! That You are alive and active in me! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Read full textThinking like Zechariah, Luke 1:11-15 — Eleanor A Hubbard, USA
A reflection for Advent Luke 1:11-15a But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son… . I can commiserate with Zechariah. I’m doing my work at the temple and a strange being comes and says don’t be afraid. […]
Read full textHome, Luke 2:4 — Amelia Dress, USA
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. — Luke 2:4 We all long to find a real home: the place where our pasts and our futures intersect. As we metaphorically journey through […]
Read full textAdvent Prayer: God’s Timing — Ted Loder
God of all seasons and senses, grant us the sense of your timing to submit gracefully and rejoice quietly in the turn of the seasons. In this season of short days and long nights, of grey and white and cold, teach us the lessons of endings; children growing, friends leaving, loved ones dying, grieving over, […]
Read full textWhat I do and do not believe — A Statement of Faith for a Blue Christmas service — Loren Richmond, USA
Written for a Longest Night (21 December) service in Colorado, USA God is with us in our suffering, loving us, walking with us, comforting us. I do not believe God is the cause or author of such suffering, I do not believe God “allows” bad things to happen. I can’t imagine why God would “allow” […]
Read full textSeason of Giving (in rhyme), for Advent — Jack Ouston, UK
A delightful reminder of the meaning of Advent and Christmas traditions for use in a Sunday morning worship service or a special Advent service. Written for 3-12 readers, with Scrooge-type voices (3, 5, 7 and 9) grumbling about traditions and other voices offering meaning. Easily read by adults without any rehearsal — just distribute a […]
Read full textChristmas Carols with Justice — SimpleLiving, USA
Simple Living provides lyrics for Christmas Carols with Justice. The verses blend traditional and bold progressive language. They are easy to use and bring the real world into Christmas. “Jesus’ birth has taken on much cultural significance as a celebration of good will, warm feelings and excessive consumerism. These new stanzas help to connect his birth […]
Read full textAdvent Wreath, Source of Light — Rex Hunt, Australia
Led by the children and leaders of Sunday Club Advent 1 voice 1 Spontaneous sun voice 2 generous giver of light, voice 3 heat and energy… Light first Advent candle voice 4 We give thanks that throughout this season of hope we are warmed by the signs of hope we see in our world and […]
Read full textPsalm 122:7, Advent – Time to Pray and Prune — Angie Brock, USA
Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers. Psalm 122:7 I think of Advent as a “pray and prune” time –a whole liturgical season in which to weed and prune in order to reset our hearts and souls as we prepare for and make the pilgrimage to the manger. Advent is here. As […]
Read full textScouts International Peace Light Service
Each Advent season, the Scout International Peace Light travels from Bethlehem around the world. Towns and faith communities hold services for receiving the light and for sending it forth. These resources are for use in a Peace Light Service. Peace Light Prayer May the kindly spirit of Christmas spread its radiance far and wide, So all the […]
Read full textAdvent prayer, Open our hearts — Eric Mason, USA
God, open our hearts so we are ready for the messengers you may send to us. Help us to find your message in a world that needs it more than ever. — Erik Mason, Cairn Christian Church, Colorado USA
Read full textPrayer for the Beginning of Advent — Mary Luti, USA
You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad to abide in your time, urgent, yet measured, imagining life. You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad to watch by your light, candid, yet hidden, sharp as a truth. You give us Advent, Lord, and we are grateful and glad […]
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