Pray

On Sunday, we opened with the Lord’s Prayer, but in a version you might not be so familiar with…

“This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.” – Matthew 6:7-13 MSG

Sometimes it’s good to read a different version to what we’re used to, because we can get a different perspective. Use this version to pray today 🙂

‘Advent’ is the four week period before Christmas. It means “coming” and is a time of preparation in anticipation for Christmas. The usual themes are Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. On Sunday, we focussed on Hope.

Gwen shared that when she thinks of advent, she thinks of symbolism –

Wreaths made from evergreens symbolising eternal life/God’s everlasting love

or candles representing the light of Jesus entering the world.

It can feel overwhelming at this time of year. Everything is fine in November and then December hits and everything gathers momentum. Does anyone else feel this way?

Reflection

“At our midweek group we were talking about Christingles. I’ve never been to a Christingle, have you? I did know that a Christingle is connected to Advent and aligns to the advent themes.

I decided to make one and it’s made me think about my feelings at this time, as I look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ…

A Christingle is made of the following:

An orange which represents the world

A candle to represent Jesus as the light of the world

A red ribbon to represent the blood and love of Christ

Sweets/fruits to symbolise God’s creation or blessings of the earth.

It was a good way for me to just refocus. One of the important things for me is that wherever there is light there can never be darkness and that always raises my spirit to reaffirm that this is God’s world, that he has chosen me and holds me in his hand.” – Gwen

Psalm 36:9 “For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light” 

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick… – Proverbs 13:12a

This proverb captures a universal human experience: longing for something that hasn’t yet come to pass.

Can you think of a time your heart was sick? That emotional weariness, discouragement, or even grief that grows during prolonged waiting.

This can apply to waiting for healing, reconciliation, success, clarity, a child, a partner, purpose, or any deeply held desire.

However… Most people can quote the first bit of the proverb but what about the second part? 

…but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12b

The second part shifts the tone completely.

When what we long for is finally realised, it brings renewal. The fulfilment of a desire becomes “a tree of life”; strength returns, joy grows, faith is revived, life feels meaningful again. 

Reflect

What season are you in personally? Are you in a season of “deferred hope” or a “tree of life” season where the waiting has finally ended?

If you are in a “deferred hope” season, acknowledge the pain honestly—this proverb gives permission to feel it. Remember that delay in answers to prayer is not always denial. It’s important we seek support, prayer, and companionship during the waiting.

If you’re in a “tree of life” season, and the desire has come, celebrate the good without guilt. Recognise God’s faithfulness.

What are your:

• Hopes for yourself?
• Hopes for our church community?
• Hopes for the town where we live, our country and globally?

Go Deeper

Take time to evaluate where your hopes and desires come from. Hopes which align with God’s wisdom bring life.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Is this hope rooted in love, truth, and goodness?
• Will its fulfillment lead to flourishing?

Bring your hopes to God and surrender them over to him. You might find using an image to focus on helpful during this time of reflection. If yes, here’s one or feel free to find your own: