A graphic from St Augustine's College of Theology advertising it's podcast. It says 'Prophecy for Advent, The Prophet Zephaniah, led by Thomas Sharp.'

How can we rejoice this Advent when life feels unsafe?

In the first week of our popular podcast, Thomas Sharp, Tutor in Pastoral Theology at St Augustine’s College of Theology, asks the big question: how do we lift our hearts when the world is chaotic and uncertain? 

Drawing on the prophet Zephaniah, in Rejoice, While the World Burns?, Thomas challenges us to see our own world through the eyes of Jerusalem – a city full of corruption, fear, and unrest – and discover how God calls us to hope, courage, and unexpected joy.

God as a warrior in our midst

This week, Thomas draws parallels between the struggles of Jerusalem and our own times:

‘The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory.’

He inspires us to imagine life without fear – fear of not having enough, fear of not being enough, and fear of being left behind.

  • Watch this week’s podcast, where Thomas Sharp reflects on the prophet Zephaniah.

Why rejoice when the world feels like it’s burning?

This episode is rousing, cutting, and deeply pastoral. It moves between Scripture, imagery, and the realities of modern life. Thomas calls us to rejoice even when the world feels unsafe, unjust, or out of control – to lift our hearts, not because the world is perfect, but because God is at work.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find hope and joy amid fear, debt, or injustice, this episode is for you.  You’ll be provoked and inspired to rejoice this Advent season – even when the world is still burning.

Explore the prophets this Advent

Led by friends and tutors of St Augustine’s, you can enjoy fresh ideas each week to deepen your spiritual journey.

This season, St Augustine’s staff will guide you through the Hebrew prophets, building bridges between the “strange world” of the Bible and modern life. From joys and celebrations to anxieties and questions, each episode helps you look at Advent in a fresh and meaningful way.

A forest lit up with sunlight. The sun is shining through the trees.

Listen anytime, anywhere

Search for St Augustine’s College Audio Retreats on your favourite podcast app and start listening! 

Other ways to tune in to the Advent podcast

You can also listen to the Advent podcast in these ways:

All YouTube videos come with subtitles and closed captions if you need them.

Don’t miss next week’s episode!

Look out for Episode 2, Isaiah 6.1-10, read by our principal, Alan Gregory, on Sunday 7th December.

We’d love you to join us each Sunday of Advent right through to 21st December.

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