The Coming of the Light
Uncle Pastor Ray Minniecon reflects on the celebration, welcome, Joy and Hope we have in the coming of the Light of the World.
Singer and songwriter Alanna Glover draws our vision to the hope and goodness of God’s new city.
ALANNA GLOVER
On the eighth day of Advent 2022, singer and songwriter, Alanna Glover, draws our vision to the hope and goodness of God’s new city.
For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice for ever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain,
or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,says the Lord.
Isaiah 65:17-25
I’ve had the privilege of living in some beautiful cities - sunny Sydney, a number of bustling, tropical cities in Indonesia, Denver in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of America, Vancouver, Canada with its snowy surrounds, and Oxford with its glorious spires! But these don’t even compare to the image of God’s city in the bible, as we see in our Advent reading today in Isaiah 65:17-25, which is even more wonderful - beautiful yes, but more importantly full of joy, thanksgiving and singing. The city of God is a place of refuge, peace and flourishing.
This song, ‘Sorrow fades’, draws from images in Isaiah and Hebrews recalling God’s words of comfort to Israel after the destruction of Jerusalem, promising to bring his people to a new city filled with joy and gladness and singing. Hebrews paints a picture of this new Jerusalem as the city of the living God. The way to this city is through Christ, on whom we are to keep our eyes fixed as we endure the struggles and hardships of this life. This song acknowledges that this life can be tough, but we have a wonderful future ahead, and can already join in the praises of the heavenly assembly.
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'Sorrow Fades' is from Emu Music’s Joy In Sorrow album, a collection of songs for God's people to call to him in sorrow and cry out to him in praise.
Alanna Jane Glover is the creative director of Emu Music, a ministry that exists to equip the church with biblical, beautiful and transformative singing. Her role involves songleading, songwriting, training and lecturing. She is passionate about resourcing people in local churches with the songs and skills that they need to love Jesus more by singing his word together. She has also served as a church music director in Sydney and member of the band Garage Hymnal. Alanna lives on Gadigal country in Sydney where she splits her time between Emu Music, being a mum and completing her Masters of Theology. She has a Bachelor of Theology from Sydney Missionary Bible College and a BA Music Degree from Sydney University.
'Day 8' feature photograph taken by Leaf Klevjer of afternoon clouds at Garie (‘sleepy’ in Dharawal language) on Dharawal Land of the Wodi Wodi people.
Uncle Pastor Ray Minniecon reflects on the celebration, welcome, Joy and Hope we have in the coming of the Light of the World.
On the second day of Advent, 2022, artist Heidi Franklin reflects on the joy and good of Jesus’ light.
On the third day of Advent, 2022, Susy Lee reflects on raising a generation of good peacemakers.
On the fourth day of Advent, 2022, Miriam Pepper leads us in prayer as we reflect on The Good.
Aunty Dr Anne Pattel-Grey presents an Aboriginal interpretation of Genesis 1:20-31.
Musician Luke Vassella reflects on the peace and hope we have in the gardener alive and at work in His world.
Scott Higgins reflects on the vision and hope of good that God intends in Isaiah 65: 17-25.
Singer and songwriter Alanna Glover draws our vision to the hope and goodness of God’s new city.
Beck Stanton shares a special devotion to be read, reflected on and enjoyed with children - to open pathways of conversation and discovery for you and the children in your lives this Advent.
Deb Mostert explores the vision of peace, hope and restoration we have in the coming of Jesus’ kingdom.
Michael Ramaidama leads us in prayer as we rejoice at the coming of the Prince of Peace.
Dr Louise Gosbell explores the unexpected good news of Jesus.
Aunty Sue Hodges reflects on Jesus' anointing and proclamation of good news in Luke 4:22-44.
Dr Byron Smith invites us to reflect on the relationship and conversation we are generously welcomed into through the Word.
Dr Bob and Evelyn McDonald reflect on the hope and joy breaking forth with the birth of Christ.
Emma Wyndham Chalmers reflects on the joy we have in the good news of Jesus and the hope this brings us in the waiting.
Meredith Walker-Harding reflects on the joy and hope we have in seeing the glory of the Lord.
Nguyễn Hữu Trí, community and justice catalyst pastor with Steeple Church, leads us in prayer.
Gershon Nimbalker explores the glory, honour and splendour we see as the good God intends comes into vision.
Safina Stewart draws us to a vision of flourishing and joy found in the good news of Jesus.
Kate Leaney reflects on the moments that bring us hope and shine the light of the Kingdom.
Performance poet and advocate Stevie Wills reflects on the joy, mercy, justice, peace and flourishing proclaimed in the songs of angels.
Rev Dr Mike Frost invites us to reflect on Joseph’s faithful response to the good news of God with us.
Poet Will Small reflects on the miracle of Christ’s birth and God with us.
Ellaina Welsman leads us in prayer as we celebrate the birth of Christ today.