Tuesday 29th November

Advent Week 1

Matthew 5:14-16

New International Version (NIV)

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Reflect: Each of us has a sphere of influence whether at work, college or with our neighbours. We have the potential to change the spiritual climate through what we say or do. You are today the light of the world, for Christ is in you, the hope of glory

Pray & Act: Who can you encourage today? A smile can make all the difference. Pray for all with whom you will have contact

Monday 28th November

Advent Week 1
Hebrews 12:1 – 3
 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


We are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses.

Reflect: Consider those who have had an influence upon your life; who have cheered you along in the race of life. Give thanks for those who have encouraged you along the way.

Pray: For those preparing for the Olympics, especially the athletes’ encouragers – their coaches and family members. And for the More than Gold Homestay programme offering hospitality to athletes’ families.

Advent Sunday

Advent Sunday
Matthew 25:1 - 13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins
 ¹ “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

   ⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

   ⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

   ⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

   ¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

   ¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

   ¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

   ¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour.

Reflect: Today is Advent Sunday. Advent is a time of waiting – waiting prayerfully and expectantly for the One who comes. He came that first Advent, the promise is that He will come again but He also comes today to meet with you as you wait on Him.

Pray: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Come Lord Jesus!