Advent 2025 Devotional: The Longing (Week One)

The Season of Advent is a season of longing. It invites us to wait in hopeful anticipation for the birth of Christ. The Advent candles we light each week remind us that light sparks in unexpected places.

We kick off in week one with Longing for Hope. During Advent, we're offering from some readings, artworks and prayers for reflection and meditation as we move through the Advent Season. This weeks resources are included below.

Advent Week One: Longing for Hope

Read Along:

Isaiah 2:1-5 | Ihāia 2:1-5

Psalm 122 | Waiata 122

Romans 13:11-14 | Rōma 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44 | Matiu 24:36-44

Look: 'Tū Whenua a Kura | The Lighthouse' by Michael Parekowhai

Michael Parekōwhai describes his work The Lighthouse as "the small house that holds the whole universe." The interior of the house is furnished with highly reflective surfaces and features clusters of brightly coloured neon lights that represent star constellations. The lights draw your gaze toward the ceiling and evoke the idea of ahi kā; that home fires are burning, and the house is warm with people.

The lighthouse is a free to view public sculpture work on Queens Wharf in Auckland City, if you've never visited we highly recommend it. You can find out more about it HERE

What images of hope do you see in this work?

Listen: 'Lord Remind Me' by Jon Guerra

Reflect:

What are you looking toward with a sense of hope in this season?

Are there areas of your life where you struggle to feel hopeful?

What would it look like to bring hope into these places?

What would it take to make this happen?