Join the bishops in a journey through Advent

The bishops of the Church in Wales are inviting people to join them as they explore the true meaning of Christmas in new course for Advent.

O Come Let Us Adore Him is a six-week course through the season of Advent to Christmas and onto Epiphany. Spanning the length and breadth of Wales, the course consists of Bible readings, reflections, prayers and discussion questions with each session led by one of the bishops and people from their diocese. Among the themes explored are climate change, conflict, pilgrimage, wild places and encounters with others.

The course can be completed in study groups, in church communities or at home. All the materials are fully bilingual and can be downloaded from the Church in Wales website.

Launching the course, the Archbishop of Wales, pictured, says, “This is an invitation to journey through the season of Advent as we wait expectantly for the coming of Christ as King. It is an invitation to reflect on key themes like love, joy, peace, patience, all of which the birth of Jesus initiates. So, whether you intend on doing this course yourself or you get a group together, it's an opportunity for us to grow spiritually and draw closer to God. Do get a group together, prepare for Advent, and ‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’.”

The course begins with an introduction from Archbishop Andrew. The first session, for Advent 1, is led by Bishop Gregory Cameron and the Diocese of St Asaph. It explores Luke 21:25-36 and its challenging apocalyptic imagery, and includes interviews with people about their experiences dealing with war and climate change.

The second session, for Advent 2, is with Bishop Cherry Vann and the Diocese of Monmouth. It looks at Luke 3:1-6 and the way that this passage establishes the world in which John the Baptist and Jesus teach - a world of Empire and oppression. The discussion focuses on the oppressions that we see in our world today, and how we can use our faith to understand and dismantle oppressive systems.

The third session, Advent 3, is with Bishop John Lomas and the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. It explores Luke 3:7-18 and the strange figure that John the Baptist makes, teaching in the wilderness. It will look at ways in which we can teach and learn in the wild places.

The fourth session, Advent 4, is with Bishop Mary Stallard and the Diocese of Llandaff. It looks at Luke 1:39-45, exploring the encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth while they were pregnant with Jesus and John the Baptist.

The fifth session, for Christmas, is with Bishop Dorrien Davies and the Diocese of St Davids. It explores Luke 2:1-20 and the story of the shepherds visiting the infant Jesus. It discusses the peace and unity that we should strive for in our communities.

The sixth session, for Epiphany, is with the Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris, and the Diocese of Bangor. It focuses on Matthew 2:1-12, and the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. It looks at the journey they took, and features people taking pilgrimages today.