Everything that was created
received its life from him,
and his life gave light
to everyone.
John 1, 3-4 CEV
Press the play button to hear the closing blessing read out.
Click here for introduction to this Advent series; Weaving tunes, composing symphonies: The Sacred Story incorporates our own sacred stories.
Some ideas for a daily Advent reflection to use with children
Click on this link to download and print out a Jesse tree.
We have collected readings for the stories from various children's bibles, symbols to cut out and colour in and ideas for prayers and questions. Click here and print out
Sunday 9th: Moses Exodus 3 Burning bush
Monday 10th: Miriam Exodus 15 Tambourine
Tuesday 11th: Gideon Judges 7 Water jar
Wednesday 12th: Ruth Ruth 1-4 Ears of corn
Thursday 13th: David 1 Samuel 16 Harp
Friday 14th: Solomon 1 Kings 6 Temple
Saturday 15th: Elijah 1 Kings 17 Ravens
New Testament/Christmas narrative continues with: Luke 1: 39- 56
Opening Prayer
I rejoice with Mary and Joseph,
I worship with the shepherds,
I sing with the angels,
I offer my gifts with the wise men.
I receive the living Lord.
Meditation
John says that the light of God is the source of all life. At the core of creation, of the earth and of you and me is the light of God. And so we turn our attention to events, to art and poetry, to personal experience as well as to scripture to catch the light of the God within that we may receive and reflect his life. The Celtic spirituality writer Philip Newell relates in his book The Book of Creation this meditation on the light that is at the heart of life:
I saw myself walking further and further down a spiral staircase into the darkness of the earth. In my hand was a small candle that threw enough light for me to be able to see a few steps at a time. In the darkness I gradually became aware of a great fire of light that was deeper than the darkness. Eventually I saw that it was a roaring blaze and knew that the little light in my hand was a mere spark of the great fire to lead me to itself...'the central fire of the universe'.
Questions
In my story what is the candle? Where am I receiving the small light that leads to the fire of the universe? It might be books, acts of service, spiritual direction, relationships, nature prayer, discussion? What does tradition point to as sources of light?
Closing Blessing
May Christ Jesus look into your face with love,
God the Creator spring to life within your being
and the Holy Spirit be found in sacred places around you.
PS You may like to watch this video called the sunrise project.
Everything that was created
received its life from him,
and his life gave light
to everyone.
John 1, 3-4 CEV
Press the play button to hear the closing blessing read out.