Advent Reflections from Discipleship and Learning Ministries Network

This is the first of the Advent Prayer Resources collated to support and encourage us across the region in this special season from the beginning of Advent to Epiphany.

Each week from the beginning of Advent until Epiphany there will be a weekly sheet suggesting a very short reading for each day along with some prayers or reflections to encourage us through these weeks. Each week there will also be one verse of the newly written Advent hymn (to be sung to the tune of As with Gladness men of old), this could be used for the lighting of the Advent Ring if wished.

Advent hymn
Tune: As with gladness men of old.
Verse 1
Advent is a time of praise,
Waiting through these winter days
For the hope which Christmas brings
Of new life, new beginnings.
Advent praise to you we sing,
May we know the hope you bring.

Verse 2
Advent is a time of praise,
Searching through these winter days
For the peace which can be known,
When we trust in you alone.
Advent praise to you we sing,
May we know the peace you bring.

Verse 3
Advent is a time of praise
Longing through these winter days
For the joy of Jesus' birth
God of all, with us on earth
Advent praise to you we sing
May we know the joy you bring.

Verse 4
Christmas is a time of praise
So to you our songs we raise
What Good news we have to tell
Born with us, Immanuel
Christmas praise to you we sing
May we know your Son as King.

Gill Welsh, Superintendent, Lindisfarne Circuit.

Some of the thoughts and prayers in this series were written at 3Generate, the Methodist Youth Assembly which was entitled "Wonderfully Prophetic". Our young people inspire and challenge us as Advent begins.

Are you too prepared to be Wonderfully Prophetic? Are you ready to participate? Will you take a risk?
Come, the journey begins, don't be left behind.