Welcome to our 2021 Advent Journey! This year we are making our way toward Christmas by exploring the four Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, but with a twist. This first week is not just about Hope but Hope(ful) Preparation, but before you jump in to today’s reflection, just take a moment, breathe slowly, and pray the following prayer as truthfully and earnestly as you can.

God of Hope,
We acknowledge that the Scriptures written in the former days,
were written for our instruction and so that we might have hope.
Fill us this day with all joy and peace in believing them,
that we might overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen

Daily Scripture: Luke 3:1-2

Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can also find it here.

Reflection

‘In todays passage there are a couple of really significant things to pay attention to: firstly, note that Luke is interested in locating the events of his gospel within history but a period of history marked by particular rulers and authorities (take moment and note all the different names, titles, and areas of rule mentioned here); and secondly, note that the word of God, the true ruler and authority here, does not come to any of these, but to an obscure man named John, in the obscure location of the wildnerness.

Maybe go back and have a read Mary’s Song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in light of today’s passage and reflect on what is has to say about things like power and authority in light of what God was doing

Advent Quote

‘The list of names cited here brings up the Roman Empire that looms in the background. The various echelons of power interlock much like a Russian nested doll … These rulers may appear to have far more influence than John, but they have no inkling that the foundations that supported their thrones and murderous ideologies would be shaken to the core because of what would happen in an obscure corner of the empire beginning with an obscure prophet. This list reveals that Roman political dominance over the world does not control the story but a transcendent power does—God’s eternal will. God was moving in ways that would dethrone them’.

The Jewish high priests were now appointed by [these] Romans as political pawns, which profaned their holy status in the eyes of many and also meant that they had to appease their patrons to keep their power

The list here comprises an impressive bunch, but not an admirable bunch. They appear to have far more influence than John. Little did they know that in Judea, with an unacclaimed prophet, God was moving in ways that would shake their rule and have ultimate consequences on the history of humankind. The coming of God’s word brings the empire one step closer to the oblivion it deserves’.

| David Garland

Advent Poem: As Streets Fill With Shoppers

As streets fill with shoppers
Bright lights and tempting offers
Christmas songs and children’s laughter
You lead us along a different path
To a desert river and a Prophetic voice
A call to repentance
A call to service
A call to immerse ourselves
In living water that will never run dry
A call to prepare a way in our own lives
For the Saviour of the world to enter in
To know the touch of tender mercy
And rest in your forgiving love
For your faithful prophets
And your Living Word
We give you thanks.
Amen

| faithandworship.com

Advent Song: Canticle of the Turning

Closing Benediction

Be people of hope.
Let hope live in your heart and share the hope of Christ with all you meet.
Share hope by noticing someone else’s humanity.
Share hope by listening to someone’s story.
Share hope by praying for our world.
In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share hope.
As you go out into the wonder of God’s creations, share hope with those you meet.

Amen.

| Liturgy Link

Zoom Reflections each Mon, Wed, and Fri mornings at 7:00-7:20am

Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743926286

As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and reflections and so please do leave a comment in the section at the bottom of this page. Much love to you all on this Advent journey!