Longing for Peace: Meditations for the Season of Advent

Read Along:

Isaiah 11:1-10 | Ihāia 11:1-10

Psalm 28 | Waiata 28

Romans 15:4-13 | Rōma 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12 | Matiu 3:1-12

Look:  'Te Kōpua O Hiku by Janine Williams & Shannon Novak

Te Kōpua o Hiku is the name for the pedestrian bridge that connects the two sides of the Panmure Basin. It is both an artwork and a key part of the popular walking and cycling loop around the basin.

"Woven into the bridge's design, the artwork invites reflection on identity, protection and connection. Created by Janine Williams (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Mahuta) and Shannon Novak (Ngāti Pākehā, Tarara/Croatian), the patterns in the railings and deck surface draw from Māori and Croatian symbols of endurance and guardianship. Williams uses Roimata Toro and Kaokao, representing strength and resilience. Novak incorporates crosses, dots and dashes that symbolise family, faith and the cosmos - motifs shaped by a long history of Croatian invasion and displacement."

'Te Kōpua O Hiku' is a free-to-view public artwork located in Panmure | Auckland, if you've never visited we highly recommend it. You can find out more about it HERE

In the scriptures, peace is about more than just the absence of war or a feeling of calm. The biblical understanding of peace is rooted in the Hebrew word Shalom, which means wholeness, completeness, and everything being as it should be.

As you reflect on the artwork, what images of the biblical idea of peace do you see?

Listen:  'Nau Mai te Āio' by Te Rautini

Reflect:

Where are you seeing/finding peace/shalom in this season?

Are there areas of your life where you struggle to feel peace/shalom?

What would it look like to bring peace/shalom into these places?

What would it take to make this happen?