Advent and Christmas Think Tank – re-centering ourselves in the story
Our recent Advent and Christmas Think Tank brought together worship leaders and preachers from across our church for a morning of reflection, learning, and sharing ideas as we get ready for the Advent season. It was a great chance to re-centre ourselves in the story we’re preparing to proclaim.
We began with a guided reflection on the Magnificat, led by Rev Dr Cathie Lambert. She invited us to sit with Mary’s song—its courage, its upside-down vision of the world, and its deep sense of hope. It was a great way to begin the day and turn our attention towards Advent.
Our main input for the morning came from Dr Meg Warner, Principal of Wollaston Theological College and an Old Testament scholar. Meg introduced us to the Isaiah readings in the Advent lectionary, giving helpful background and context. She reminded us that these passages were first spoken into a world marked by oppression, displacement, and the power of empire. And yet, Meg highlighted how these Isaiah texts are passages of hope. Hope that rises even in times of loss. Hope that imagines restoration, justice, and renewal—not as wishful thinking, but as something grounded in the promise of God.
We then moved into small groups to explore how the Isaiah readings connect with the New Testament passages, and how those themes might shape our worship and preaching this year. We talked about speaking honestly into the challenges of our world while still holding onto the Advent promise that light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.
It was an encouraging and energising morning that left many of us inspired, refreshed, and better prepared to help our communities enter Advent with expectation and imagination.
We ended by sharing resources we’ve used successfully in the past, along with a few new discoveries—hoping they’ll support and inspire worship across our churches and faith communities this Advent.
Article by Rev Andy Broadbent, Education and Resources Co-ordinator, Uniting Centre for Education and Formation.
