“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…” - Romans 15:1

Reflection
Hope can feel fragile in our world right now—amid rising living costs, natural disasters, wars, politics and growing pressure on families. Advent reminds us that Christian hope isn’t wishful thinking; it’s confidence that God is present, active, and renewing all things. The birth of Jesus is God’s declaration that darkness never has the final word.

Reflective Question
Where do I need God to rekindle hope in my life or community this Advent?

Activities
Individual:
• Write a “hope list”—3 things you’re trusting God for in the coming year.
• Take a walk at sunrise or in the moonlight and reflect on light breaking into darkness.
• Start a “Hope Habit” Choose one small positive action to practise daily (e.g., gratitude, morning prayer, encouraging someone).

Family-friendly:
• Light a Candle of Hope Together. Share one thing each person is hopeful for.
• Make a “hope jar”—each person writes prayers or dreams for the year ahead.
• Deliver a small gift or baked treats to someone who needs encouragement.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…” - John 14:27

Reflection
Our pace of life in NZ is fast, especially leading into Christmas—schools wrapping up, whānau gatherings, work deadlines, summer planning. Peace can feel out of reach. But the peace Jesus offers isn’t the absence of noise; it’s the presence of God in the middle of chaos. Advent invites us to slow down, breathe, and notice the Prince of Peace drawing near.

Reflective Question
What would it look like to create space for God’s peace in my daily routine?

Activities
Individual:
• Practise 5 minutes of stillness with a simple prayer like “Jesus, bring peace.”
• Unplug from devices for an evening.
• Peace Prayer Walk Pray for peace over your street, town, school, or workplace.

Family-friendly:
• Create a “peace corner” with quiet activities—books, candles, soft music.
• Have a family night walk to enjoy the calm of evening or Christmas lights.
• Create a Peace Jar Fill with calming activities: read together, stretch, listen to worship music, draw.

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

Reflection
Joy isn’t the same as happiness. Even with the challenges many NZ families face—financial strain, uncertainty, loneliness—Advent joy is deeper, rooted in the good news that God is with us. Joy shows up in small, unexpected places: laughter around the BBQ, kids running under the pōhutukawa, the kindness of neighbours. Joy is resistance against despair.

Reflective Question
Where have I seen God’s joy break into ordinary moments recently?

Activities
Individual:
• Make a gratitude list of 10 things that brought you joy this year.
• Do something playful—your favourite childhood summer activity like swinging at the park, skipping stones, blowing bubbles, a dance party, watching a funny movie or going for a bike ride.
• Joy Playlist Create a playlist of songs that lift your spirit.

Family-friendly:
• Choose something fun to do together as a whanau. Whether it’s a games night, dance off, dessert before dinner, or getting ice creams at the beach!
• Have a “joy celebration”—each person shares something joyful from their day.
• Dress-Up Night Silly hats, Christmas outfits, or themed dinner.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son…” - 1 John 4:9–11

Reflection
NZ is beautifully diverse, yet many people feel disconnected—immigrants far from home, older adults living alone, families doing it tough. Advent love is active, not passive. It looks like generosity, hospitality, and presence. God’s love entered the world wrapped in vulnerability, reminding us that love is practical and sacrificial.

Reflective Question
Who in my world needs a tangible expression of God’s love this Advent?

Activities
Individual:
• Write a handwritten note or message to someone who has impacted you.
• Practise an intentional act of generosity (coffee shout, donation, serving someone).
• Practice a “Love Fast”. Choose one unhelpful habit for a week (complaining, rushing, scrolling) and replace it with a loving action (encouragement, gratitude, presence).

Family-friendly:
• Choose a local charity to support together (supporting things like a foodbank, toy drive, hospital or care home).
• Secret Acts of Love (kids love this!). Each family member draws a name and blesses that person in secret all week.
• Make a “Love in Action” Jar. Fill it with ideas like: “Make someone’s bed” “Help with dishes” “Pray for a friend” “Give a hug to someone who needs it” “write a card to share some love with a neighbour, teacher, or family member”