Arotahi has created a prayer guide with daily readings for the season of Advent (1 December to 24 December) and through Christmas until 6 January – download the PDF here. Each week of daily readings will arrive on Baptist NZ on Fridays. In this article are the final readings, Sunday 29 December – Monday 6 January. View other weeks here:
Sunday 1 December – Saturday 7 December
Sunday 8 December – Saturday 14 December
Sunday 15 December – Saturday 21 December
Sunday 22 December – Saturday 28 December
Below are a mixture of stories and reflections from Arotahi people and partners from around the world. As we read these, may we become more aware of the glimpses of hope, peace, joy and love that are springing up through people, places and land. As well, we anticipate the fullness of God’s promises for our world.
Join us in prayer this season of Advent and through Christmas.
From the Arotahi Team.
Sunday 29 December
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:14-16
This year Bangladesh was affected by Cyclone Remal. $24,800 was given in flood relief. Aid supported families with food, supplies and rebuilding efforts.
Bangladesh, as a low lying coastal nation, feels the brunt of climate change. Extreme weather events like cyclones are becoming more frequent and intense. Our Pacific neighbours also are facing this reality.
As we look to the new year, may we seek God’s guidance. We all bear the responsibility of change. Our world is groaning. How will we respond?
Creator of our common home,
You fill the earth and sea and sky with life
Forgive us our neglect of your creation
The choking waste of our pollution
The damage done by careless habits
And our indifference to future generations.
Help us to amend our lives
To refuse more plastic if we can’t reuse it
To lift our voice for lasting change
And to live well and gently on the earth
To the glory of your Son, the Living Word
Through whom you made this fragile world.
Amen.
Rt Revd Steven Croft
Bishop of Oxford
Monday 30 December
A sword will pierce your own soul too
When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to be dedicated to God they, as poor Galileans, were probably ignored by the temple priests and leaders. But Simeon, an old man who carried a promise from God in his heart, entered the temple and saw Jesus as the Messiah; the promised one of God. As he held baby Jesus he said “my eyes have seen your salvation.” Then he blessed Jesus and turning to his mother Mary prophesied.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Luke 2:34-35
At the end of the prophecy there is a snippet about Mary – a sword will pierce your own soul too. It is a warning of suffering. A prophecy to anticipate pain and struggle in your life as you raise this child and see him doing what God has desired for him to do. In many ancient paintings of Mary her heart is exposed and a sword is shown piercing her heart. For centuries this image of Mary’s suffering has spoken to and encouraged millions who also experience suffering. Mothers and people without children find solace and companionship in knowing they are not alone in their suffering. That their suffering like Mary’s is known by God and is purposeful. Even if that purpose is not clear to them. In this way Mary’s life and especially her suffering speak to many.
At Christmas we know it is a bitter sweet season today as it was for Mary all those years ago.
Alan Jamieson
Arotahi General Director
Tuesday 31 December
Come now and hear the sound
Of mothers gathered 'round
Tears are streaming down in Bethlehem
Grieving life that didn't have to end
Asking God to justify the pain
Never knowing He would feel the same
The powerful oppress the prophecy
But shepherds passing through have found a King
Rumor has it that a child is born
And it's said that we will call him Lord
Heaven's angels came to let us know
That our freedom rests upon His throne
So we've traveled from across this land
Seeking out the new and precious Lamb
The One who came and made time stand still
When heaven opened up at God's own will
Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
King Messiah
Savior of the world
Now forever we will sing the song
Of the One who was and is to come
All creation joins in harmony
In declaring He is perfectly
Holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
God has sent
The Savior of the world
Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
King Messiah
Savior of the world
Common Hymnal - Mothers & Shepherds
Wednesday 1 January
You invite us to your presence,
to the table of your feast,
to your walk of companionship,
to your mission of well-being.
We take timid steps toward home and are welcomed.
Now, in this hour of free-fall,
be your good self again,
meet us not according to our flaw
but according to your generous self-giving:
Be our Christmas,
and start the world again;
Be our Easter,
and draw us from death to new life;
Be our Pentecost,
and breathe on us to begin again;
Be your full, generous self toward us;
we will begin again in obedience,
and as we can obey,
we will begin again
in wonder, love, and joy.
Walter Bruggemann
As we look forward to the new year, we are reminded that we are invited into the presence of Christ. We are invited to his table of feast, to companionship and to the mission of wellbeing. This year, how do we reflect this generous, audacious and inclusive invitation? Christine Pohl writes: “A life of hospitality begins in worship, with a recognition of God's grace and generosity. Hospitality is not first a duty and responsibility; it is first a response of love and gratitude for God's love and welcome to us.”
Thursday 2 January
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all peoples,
to make a little music with the heart.
And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
Howard Thurman
God,
You have commissioned us to go, disciple and baptise.
We know that you are at work in our world.
In all places, people and throughout the land.
May we radiate the light of Christ in all that we do.
Thank you for the promise of the Holy Spirit's constant presence.
Amen
Friday 3 January
As we step into a New Year, we’re reminded that peace is not something we simply hope to find—it’s something we receive, and it’s already among us.
In a world often driven by hurry and noise, Jesus’ words stand out:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
This peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it’s a steadying presence, a gift that sustains us when circumstances around us are anything but calm.
As we welcome what lies ahead, let’s be mindful that God’s peace is not tied to our understanding or control of life. Instead, it’s a peace that meets us in every place and time, no matter how chaotic or uncertain. It’s a peace that quiets our fears and gives us room to breathe, reflect, and trust.
May we begin this year with open hearts, ready to rest in this calm assurance, confident that God walks with us.
Lauren Yannakis
Arotahi Policy Support
Saturday 4 January
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
Jeremiah 1:7
We are dreaming of fresh ways to connect the future generation into God’s mahi in the world, here in Aotearoa and to the ends of the earth. Whiria Kids, a church based programme resourced by Arotahi, is happening again in 2025. We believe that being woven together in mission is part of God's heart for each of us. No matter how young, we can all contribute; each prayer, expression of aroha, and small step is precious.
Through this initiative we hope that our tamariki can continue to see how they can be part of God's mahi in the world.
God,
We thank you that you call the children to you.
You delight in them and invite them to join with you.
May our young people dream big dreams.
May they usher is hope, peace and justice for the next generation.
In your name,
Amen
Sunday 5 January
Peter and Leonora are involved in many different things. These are just some of the areas they are involved in.
With a change of leadership at Serampore College in February, Peter is called upon increasingly to assist in; hospitality, research, advice on historical matters, and guided tours for hundreds of visitors. Peter also spoke at the College’s 206th celebration. From its beginning, the College promoted women’s education and empowerment.
Leonora has developed handicrafts and is empowering a group of four women. Called Basanti, which means New Beginnings or Spring, our first product celebrates the ancient art of block-printing. 20 women are now being trained taking part in life skills training to increase opportunities to find work.
These initiatives contribute to the wellbeing of women and their communities. Globally there is a significant gender gap when it comes to pay parity, leadership and representation, educational achievement, and more (Global Gender Gap Report 2024).
Throughout the Christmas story, women play pivotal roles. Mary and Elizabeth both bore the responsibility of giving birth, and playing their part in God’s plan for ushering in hope and transformation.
Jesus,
We give you thanks for the work of Peter and Leonora.
We pray that their work would continue to bring freedom for women.
May they find liberation through education and employment.
May they know the hope found in your story.
Amen
Monday 6 January
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come. Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
Isaiah 60:1-6
God
Keep us in that wisdom which You revealed to the Magi.
Grant us Your Holy Spirit, that we may always seek You and Your kingdom.
Enable us to follow Your Holy Word, as those from the East followed the leading of a star, and many have followed Your leading since.
Give us grace at all times and in all places to confess Your Holy Name to all people.
For Yours is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory
For ever and ever
Amen
Aroha noa me te rangimarie
Grace and peace from
the Arotahi team
Image: From the cover of Arotahi Daily Advent Readings 2024 PDF
