“Gathering with our sisters and brothers from the WCC and the other ecumenical organizations marks the start of our journey through Advent,” said LWF Assistant General Secretary Lange. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC
Geneva’s ecumenical organizations gather to reflect on Advent and signs of hope and justice
(LWI) - Ecumenical organizations in Geneva gathered for the annual Advent worship under the theme “See the Signs.” Staff from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the World Council of Churches (WCC), and other faith-based organizations joined in reflection and prayer at St. Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church.
The service was jointly led by representatives from the sister organizations, including LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and LWF Director for Theology Mission and Justice Rev. Dr Sivin Kit.
“Gathering with our sisters and brothers from the WCC and the other ecumenical organizations marks the start of our journey through Advent,” said LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations Prof. Dr Dirk Lange.
Reverend Canon Dr. Daphne Green, Chaplain of Holy Trinity Church Geneva, preached on Luke 21:25-36, reflecting on Advent’s dual themes of joyful anticipation and penitence. She urged the congregation to see God’s love in the signs around us and to embody this love in service to others.
May God bless us with the gift of his justice,
to open new paths by proclaiming the good news of his arrival.
May God bless us with the gift of his peace,
to nourish the hope of a new world whose name is "solidarity".
May God bless us with the gift of his love,
to defend the life we have and the one that is coming,
Like a small light in the midst of darkness.– Adapted from a blessing by Amós López Rubio
The advent service featured classic hymns like "Adeste Fideles" and lively spirituals such "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Prayers and readings offered an opportunity to raise global concerns such as the call for peace, justice, and reconciliation. A prayer for those affected by conflict and war was moving. Together, the congregation asked God to kindle a “light in the hearts of all people” and transform “weapons of death into instruments of life.”
The service concluded with a blessing that called all participants to be open to the signs of advent and “discern how as God’s pilgrims we will be agents of justice, reconciliation and unity in our world."
“While we miss the Ecumenical Centre chapel, worshipping together in neighboring churches deepens our bonds and renews our shared mission in the ecumenical movement,” said Lange in conclusion.
The Advent celebration took place at the St Hippolyte Roman Catholic Church on Monday. Photo: WCC/Ivars Kupcis
Canon Dr Daphne Green preached on the signs of Advent. Photo: WCC/Ivars Kupcis
LWF staff joined the service and helped lead it. Photo: WCC/Ivars Kupcis
