Chaplain's Chat 

Advent is a time of anticipation and expectation as we wait for Christmas. In Churches, the time of Advent generally starts on the last Sunday of November and runs for 4 weeks in the lead up to Christmas day. Here at School it is the focus of our Term 4 Chapels before our final Christmas Service which will happen on Wednesday 7 December.

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’, and when something is coming, we wait for it with anticipation. Advent is about waiting. Now, we can think about waiting in a negative way – waiting for a bus or plane that has been delayed, waiting for picture or video to download, waiting for a flood peak to arrive and then waiting for the flood waters to subside. This type of waiting can bring about the negative feelings of anger, frustration, impatience, anxiety, stress. 

But, there is also another type of waiting that is far more positive – waiting for a wedding or another celebration or event that we are looking forward to. We had a family wedding last month when our second son, Benjamin, married his fiancé, Rachel. Waiting for the wedding day to come and waiting for the bride to arrive at the wedding ceremony. This brought out the positive feelings of excitement, expectation, joy and anticipation. It is this type of waiting that the season of Advent creates. Watch this video which describes Advent in 2 minutes.

In addition to the ongoing theme of waiting, each week of Advent holds a particular focus. These are HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE. The Bible verses and prayers below can be a starting place for contemplative thought and reflection.

Hope – “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)

Father, thank you for sending Jesus into our world, our ‘hope of glory,’ our ‘blessed hope’ of resurrection and eternal life. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Peace – “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14, NIV) 

Father, forgive our selfish, rebellious hearts. We open ourselves to you, and invite you to dwell in us, change us and grant us your peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Joy – “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11, ESV) 

Father, thank you for the joy the angels experienced, the joy of Jesus’ birth, and the joy of knowing you day by day until we see you in glory. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Love – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Father, thank you for your undeserved love that saves us, that fills us with your Spirit, and includes us in the wonderful plans of your Kingdom. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

During this Advent season you might consider individual (or family) advent calendars. These can be a great way to generate a sense of excitement, expectation, joy and anticipation as you and your family wait for Christmas.

Stuart Martin

School Chaplain