Advent is a time of waiting. Through the history of God’s people there have always been times of waiting and wondering just where God is to be found.  We look at our world today, just as God’s people have always done, and can sometimes just see the chaos. Sometimes it is through that chaos that creativity can break through. It is by setting our imagination free that we have the space to see possibilities.

Think of the last news programme you saw or the last newspaper you read.

• What were the stories that struck you?
• Where could you see creativity breaking through?

If you are in a group, take time to talk about this.

Bible Readings

Isaiah 64:1–9

The prophecies in Isaiah speak of exile and restoration; of destruction of what was precious to the people and of new possibilities; of God’s judgement and God’s promises.

• Why do you think the people were struggling so much?
• How had they expected God to act?
• What in the passage speaks of creativity breaking through the chaos?

Mark 13:24–37

You may want to read the whole of Chapter 13. Mark describes Jesus speaking of the end times. This may be something that you think about a lot, or not at all. The language here would be familiar to Jesus’s hearers if not to us.

• How do you respond to this kind of language? Do you take these warnings seriously, or not? You may wish to reflect, on your own, or with others.
• How do you expect God to act, if at all?
• Is there anything here about creativity breaking through the chaos described here?

Questions to consider

• Advent is a season when we look forward to the coming of Christ. How much is this focused on Christmas for you?
• Going back to the events we see all around us. Where do you see God? Where is your hope?

If you are working in a group, then you may discuss some or all of these questions – or your conversation and prayer may take you somewhere else entirely. The important thing is to take time to reflect and pray in whatever way is most appropriate for you.

This meditation can be downloaded as a PDF here: Advent Meditations Week 1.