"...glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind."
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, Nahum Tate (1700)
As we prepare for the second week of Advent and the coming Feast of the Nativity, we share some further reflections, resources and some joyful storytelling.
Waiting
Psalm 80:1-7
Turn your ear to us, Lord Drover,
you who muster all the stars.
You who live in sublime light
with those who have gone ahead of us,
gather your immense energy
and come among us to save.
Bring your people back home, God.
Smile and we shall be healed.
Lord of the Southern Cross,
you guided your chosen people.
Too long we have been fed on sorrow
and have consumed too many tears.
You have let onlookers make trouble
and enemies laugh at us.
Bring us back home, God of the stars.
Smile and we shall be saved.
© B Prewer (Bruce D Prewer ‘More Australian Psalms’ Openbook Publishers 1996)
Church and Christian community materials as listed below:
- UCA Pilgrim Church Adelaide
- Sawtell Catholic Church - ADVENT A to Z Daily series exploring the seasonal themes following the alphabet for inspiration
- Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation - Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
- Common Grace - For the Weary - 25 daily email devotionals for Advent 1-25 December 2020. Sign up to receive in email inbox or scroll down the page find on Common Grace website
Churches Together Britain and Ireland- CTBI
Dr Jane Clements, with Dr Clare Amos and Revd Ray Gaston: That Mourns in Lonely Exile here – A reflection on Jewish-Christian Relations and Advent Hymns. Go to the CTBI website
YouTube resources
Animated storytelling for Children and the young at heart:
Storytelling by the children:
- Christmas According to Kids - Southland Christian Church
- An Unexpected Christmas - St Pauls, Auckland
Something a little different:
- Little Drummer Boy (African Tribal Version) - Alex Boye' ft. Genesis Choir
Ignatian Carbon Challenge
Abundant Life
Advent is a time of hope and waiting for the coming of Jesus, who came to give us abundant life. In this Advent season, we invite you to reflect on the difference between the “abundant life” offered by Jesus and the “good life” promoted by society which says in order to be happy, we must always have more (money, possessions, and power). Living the abundant life often corresponds to living gently on the earth. This Advent, learn ways to live life more abundantly that will also heal the earth.
ADVENT SIMPLICITY CHALLENGE - Living a more simple, abundant life
