Tag Archives: advent

Waiting

Posted on December 1, 2020 by brandnewheartnz

Happy Advent everyone. Rob here. The season of Advent is a season of waiting. We’re all waiting for something it seems: a vaccine, racial justice, political change, a job, love, a miracle, you name it. What are you waiting for? … Continue reading →

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Making Your Heart Roomy

Posted on December 5, 2017 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone. Rob here. One of my favourite Christmas carols is “Joy to the World.” Among it’s plethora of wonderful words and themes is this little gem in verse 1: Let every heart prepare him room This is the big … Continue reading →

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A New Story

Posted on November 29, 2016 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone. Rob here. One thing that’s become very clear to me this year is the importance of each person’s story, including our own. God reveals himself through narrative; in the stories of nations, communities, churches, families and individuals, God … Continue reading →

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A Necessary Advent

Posted on November 22, 2016 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone. Rob here. You may have noticed that stores put out their Christmas decorations earlier and earlier every year. It annoys me. To them, Christmas is a marketing tool that sells more products. The constant barrage of advertisements and … Continue reading →

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No More Darkness

Posted on December 2, 2014 by brandnewheartnz

Season’s greetings. Rob here. On Sunday the wreath came out of hiding, we found the candles and the banners, we sang ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ and our church celebrated the first Sunday of Advent. It’s a special time of year because … Continue reading →

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Joy to the World

Posted on December 16, 2013 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone, Rob here. When Isaac Watts wrote the famous hymn, “Joy to the World,” he didn’t intend for it to be a Christmas carol at all. Based on Psalm 98, Watts didn’t have the first coming of Jesus in mind; … Continue reading →

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Love Came Down at Christmas

Posted on December 10, 2013 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone. Rob here. “Love Came Down at Christmas” is a poem, written for Christmas by Christina Rossetti and was first published in 1885. It has been set to music many times and is now a well-known Christmas carol. Love … Continue reading →

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Set Your Hope

Posted on December 3, 2013 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone, Rob here. Last Sunday was the first Sunday in Advent; the four weeks before Christmas where we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. It means we remember that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling … Continue reading →

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Peace

Posted on December 18, 2012 by brandnewheartnz

Season greetings everyone. Rob here. This will be my last post of the year and I want to thank all our readers for their support and feedback. In the new year we will have some guest posts from my friend … Continue reading →

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Joy

Posted on December 11, 2012 by brandnewheartnz

Hi everyone, Rob here again. On Sunday I experienced joy. In the morning we heard the stories of 5 young people and then at lunchtime we baptised them in the local river, singing songs, hugs all round and a meal … Continue reading →

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