17 December 2023

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Bible readings for today

• Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11
• Psalms 126:1-6
• Luke 1:47-55
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• John 1:6-8,19-28

Liturgical colour: VIOLET

Collect

Loving God,
you show us the joy of life,
we rejoice in this season of Advent.
In the watching and waiting
prepare us to receive the gift of your Son,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.​

Koa

Our te reo word for the week is koa, which means joy. 

Advent worship resource

An amazing collection of Intergenerational Christmas Service ideas from the Uniting Church in Australia (South Australia), particularly useful for those following the lectionary readings this Advent. The resource can be found on this website or by clicking on the image below

Gaudete Sunday

If your congregation uses a pink candle in its Advent wreath, then you could explain that today is Gaudete Sunday.  
Make the link to the theme of the day ‘Joy’, and to the Maori word of the day. 

Media

BibleProject: Joy

John 1:6-8,19-28

These verses talk about John the Baptist, and the description he gives to the Jewish leaders as to who he is. When questioned if he was a prophet, or Elijah, he tells them that while he baptises people with water, he will not be worthy to baptise the One who is coming. 

Isaiah 61: 1-4,8-11

These verses talk about the good news for the oppressed, and are fulfilled in the life of Jesus.