We have added a new Advent resource. Our Advent Wreath Liturgies page offers prayers and reflections from a range of Christian churches. 

Website of the Week

4th December: Second Sunday in Advent

The Forerunner

​

John the Baptist features prominently in Advent liturgical readings, as the Forerunner of the Messiah. This gigantic figure stands at the crossroads of salvation history. He represents both continuity and change.  On one hand, he looks back to the tradition of the great prophets of the Old Testament. On the other, he is the harbinger of a new creation.

To see John the Baptist through the prism of art, from birth to beheading, offers extraordinary insights into Christ's cousin and precursor. A series of ten beautifully illustrated and deeply informative short films explores the life of this pivotal Scriptural figure through masterpieces in the National Gallery of London and beyond. Art historian Jennifer Sliwka and theologian Ben Quash explore these paintings to discover how artists have translated the Baptist's spoken word into paint and how his most recognisable gesture - the pointing finger - communicates his message.

Episode 5 in the film series addresses John's time in the wilderness.
Click on the image above to watch. 
To watch the entire series, click here.