Advent is the Latin word for arrival or coming and is the period of four weeks before Christmas that we set aside to celebrate Jesus’ coming into our world. We remember that Jesus is coming again and eagerly await his return – when he will come as a Mighty King to make all things new; to redeem this broken world from its hurt, trouble, and tragedy. We call out with anticipation – come Lord Jesus, come!

This year we are re-sharing a downloadable Advent A4 fold-out PDF (first printed in 2021) and creative resources for you to reflect on scripture and remember God’s redemption in the lead up to Christmas, when we celebrate the amazing and ultimate gift of Jesus’ birth. You may choose to use them as a personal devotion, or to encourage your small group or congregation. Each week starts on the designated Sunday of Advent with the season beginning 1 December 2024.

For those who follow the Lectionary Calendar and Church Year, Advent 2024 marks the beginning of cycle or “Year C”. The weekly Scripture passages in our readings are from each Sunday of Advent. If you would like additional Bible readings, you can follow along with the daily recommended readings for this season. 

Download your Advent Fold Out PDF here

For thousands of years God’s people around the world have sung hymns, psalms, waiata and choruses to remember God’s grand story and to answer with the only possible human response: worship. Artists have painted, carved, stitched, and written beautiful compositions and creations to reflect and participate in this particular season of the church year. Additional resources for each week have been compiled below – including recommended songs, poems, reflections and other creative pieces.

We invite you to join us in reflection and worship through this Advent and Christmas season.

Miriam Fisher (Location Lead & Lecturer - Education, Ōtautahi/Christchurch), has prepared activities based on the theme of each week of Advent. You can download the full Advent pack here.

These may need amending to suit the age and stage of those in your whānau but we hope they will offer you an opportunity to engage in this season simply and meaningfully with your tamariki. You might come up with new variations!