Advent Reflections - intentional space to quietly reflect on the real meaning of the season

John 1:10-11

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the

world. He was in the world, and though the world was made

through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that

which was his own, but his own did not receive him.

Steve writes:

During our weekly Soup for the Soul Church Café, we often share a short spiritual

reflection on aspects of the teachings of Jesus and how they help us in our everyday

living. For three weeks in Advent, we created an intentional 15-20 minutes before

the Café to light a candle, share some silence, pray, reflect on a passage of the bible,

and listen to a carol. It was an opportunity to take some time out of the busyness of

the season and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.

We advertised for several weeks before and at the first reflection we had three

people who had arrived early for the Cafe but had forgotten about the reflections.

I gave them an option of staying outside until the Café opened or joining me in the

warmth! They decided to join in, and we had an interesting conversation about

Isaiah 9:2 ‘people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the

land of deep darkness a light has dawned’.

Where do you see dark places in the world and in people’s lives?

What might it look like for light to dawn in those places?

What would that look like in your own life?

The second week we had three different people. We spent time reflecting on the

above passage from John. One person spoke powerfully of being able to now

‘recognise Jesus’ for himself and in receiving Jesus, he has seen Him at work in his life

bringing peace and healing to his wife. A single Mum spoke about how our church is

a light to her and the community. They enjoyed the short time we had together and

told others at the Café so that for the final week we had 12 people including 3 children as

we looked at the angel appearing to the Shepherds. Most people who attended had little

or no church involvement.

How can we develop this intentional space for reflection, so it is sustainable?

Could it develop over time into a new worshipping community?

We welcome your prayers and ideas as we try out new ways of sharing Jesus…