O Come Let Us Adore Him
The Church in Wales’ Advent course for 2024 is under way
O Come Let Us Adore Him is designed to strengthen our faith throughout the festive period, from Advent 1 through to Epiphany. It consists of an introduction by the Archbishop of Wales followed by six full sessions, each led by one of the diocesan Bishops.
People can complete this course by themselves or in small groups and communities. Each session begins with a video, which includes the Bishop discussing a passage of scripture, two lay people talking about how the themes of the passage relate to their own lives, and discussion questions for you to take forward in your study together.
In addition to the video, each section is backed up by resources available from the Church in Wales website: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/evangelism/o-come-let-us-adore-him-advent-course-2024/
![Advent Course 2024 1 [Archbishop]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/0_promo_graphic_-_intro_-_archbishop.width-500.png)
![Advent Course 2024 2 [Advent 1]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/1_promo_graphic_-_advent_1_-_st_asaph.width-500.png)
The opening session is an introduction by the Archbishop based on Psalm 57.
Session 2 (Advent 1), led by Bishop Gregory (St Asaph), discusses Luke 21:25-36 and includes interviews with people about their experiences dealing with war and climate change
![Advent Course 2024 [Advent 2]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/2_promo_graphic_-_advent_2_-_monmouth.width-500.png)
![Advent Course 2024 [Advent 3]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/3_promo_graphic_-_advent_3_-_swanbrec.width-500.png)
Session 3 (Advent 2), with Bishop Cherry (Monmouth) 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
Session 4 (Advent 3) looks at Luke 3: 7-18 with Bishop John (Swansea & Brecon). And considers the strange figure that John the Baptist makes, teaching in the wilderness. It suggests ways in which we can teach and learn in the wild
![Advent Course 2024 [Advent 4]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/4_promo_graphic_-_advent_4_-_llandaff.width-500.png)
![Advent Course 2024 [Christmas Day]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/5_promo_graphic_-_christmas_-_st_davids.width-500.png)
![Advent Course 2024 [Epiphany]](https://stdavids.contentfiles.net/media/images/6_promo_graphic_-_epiphany_-_bangor.width-500.png)
Session 5 (Advent 4) is with Bishop Mary (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.
Bishop Dorrien leads the session for Christmas Day. He and his guests will look at Luke 2: 1-20, the story of the shepherds visiting the infant Jesus. It discusses the peace and unity that we should strive for in our communities.
Finally, Bishop David (Bardsey) takes Matthew 2: 1-12 as the text for Epiphany. It looks at the journey the Magi took, and features people taking pilgrimages today.
The whole series is available so that they can be used whenever is best for any group.