LIGHT HAS COME Advent Prayer Guide 2015
At Advent, we turn our hearts and minds towards the light that broke into the world’s darkness. The light that has changed everything. We are invited to encounter that light and then asked to be that light ourselves, in a world that so desperately needs it. These short, daily reflections will help you to fix your eyes on Jesus and ponder how you can bring light into dark places. This year’s Advent Prayer Guide has been written by Fred and Caroline Drummond and supported by Alliance member organisation Mission Aviation Fellowship, which has been bringing light to those around the world who most need it for more than 70 years.
This resource is also available to download and print at eauk.org/adventprayer2015.
All Bible verses taken from the New International Version © 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
SECTION 1
LIGHT IN DARKNESS Some of the most vulnerable communities in the world are locked behind formidable geographical barriers – mountains, swamps, deserts or jungle. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) fly light aircraft into these remote and hard to reach places with a vision to see isolated people physically and spiritually transformed in Christ’s name - to bring light to areas of darkness. Day 1 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:2a Reflect Let’s begin our advent journey thinking about those who are living in darkness. They may be on the other side of the world from us, or right next door. There are many reasons for walking in darkness – fear, loneliness, oppression, depression, poverty or violence are just a few. God sees those in darkness and becomes light for them. Prayer Lord, we name before you those we know who are going through times of darkness. We think of them and ask, gracious God, that you may bring them light, hope, love and direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Day 2 “On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2b
Reflect The writer and director Woody Allen wrote: “It’s not that I am afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens”. But we are there. Dying is a certainty of living. We cannot escape it. Many face either the fear of death or the numbing pain of bereavement. In the midst of such a reality of darkness there is the promise of God that the light will shine. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” The promise is for the light of the presence of God to be with those going through the valley of darkness.
direction to take. Ask the Wonderful Counsellor for light and direction. Prayer Wonderful Counsellor, we ask for your guidance at this time. Help us to take the right paths and the correct decisions. Lord be our guide. And even when we take a wrong turning, help us to trust that you are with us, healing, restoring and forgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Lord, have mercy on all those who are living in the place of the shadow of death. Those in that valley coping with terminal illness or those who have lost loved ones. God, who is light, bring strength, hope and comfort today. Amen. Day 3 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 Reflect The son who was to be born was the one who would give council. He has both wisdom and compassion. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is called a counsellor. He is one who gives sound advice, who is close enough to the situation to understand what needs to be done. Many people live in the darkness of confusion, weighed down by the decisions that they need to make. In God we have one who is the supreme counsellor. He is able to bring light and direction into even the most confusing of situations. It may be that during this Advent you are facing a difficult decision and are not sure what
FLYING HOPE Many of the people MAF reaches share stories of their yesterdays, are able to get through today, but can’t talk about tomorrow. They simply survive one day at a time. By delivering hope, MAF shows these precious people that they are not forgotten. It fills them with joy and gives them a glimpse of the living God we serve.