Listen to “Another Bethlehem”, the series finale of this seasonal Audio Retreat
In this, the final episode of ‘The Door to Hope’ 2023 Advent Audio Retreat series, we look hope full in the face – its challenges, limitations and promise – and recognise that it’s ours to bring to life.
Led by series creator Chris Chapman, this episode tasks us with seeing hope in all its gritty, complicated glory. We explore the true definition of hope – to act, to do something to make a change.
If you haven’t already heard the first three episodes of this 4-part series, you can listen to them now.
However, you don’t need to have heard the previous three episodes to enjoy this one.
“Hope sees, and hope acts”
In this poignant examination of hope – including the good, the bad, and the ugly – Chris Chapman gives us the inspiration we need to forge hope for ourselves, by taking action.
Beginning with the story of the prophet Hosea, we reflect on the fact the door of hope is going to be brought into existence by transforming the valley of Achor, or “the valley of trouble”. Trouble into hope, inaction replaced by action.
Chris continues to play upon this theme of action and the rejection of doing nothing. Pulling in threads and themes from previous episodes in the series, this episode is a soaring affirmation of real hope, rather than blind optimism or passive wish-making.
“Words of hope are not hope. If they don’t find their Bethlehem, the word must be made flesh.”
We have the power to create real hope in the world – another Bethlehem-like beacon – through action, connection and compassion.
How to listen to this audio retreat episode
To listen to this episode of the Advent Audio Retreat, follow this link to the YouTube version of the episode or listen directly using the YouTube player below. You can also download the audio in MP4 format and listen on your phone or computer.
If you’d like to read along with this audio retreat, you can download the transcript for this episode. You can also use the subtitles/closed captions on the YouTube video.
There is no right or wrong way to listen to this audio retreat. You can listen to it as many times as you like, by yourself or with others.
Resources for prayer and reflection
To accompany you on your audio journey, you can download a corresponding written and visual resource, designed to help you along in your reflection and prayer.
The resource includes photography, excerpts from the retreat and some poignant poetry to stir up even more inspiration and reflection.
While you don’t need the resource sheet to enjoy the retreat, it can allow you to greater opportunity to connect with the themes discussed in this audio retreat.
Listen to the 2023 Avent Audio Retreat series
This is the fourth and final episode of our ‘The Door to Hope’ 2023 Advent Audio Retreat.
If you want to listen to earlier episodes or take this audio retreat from the beginning, follow the links below:
- Listen to Episode 1: “When Things Falls Apart”
- Listen to Episode 2: “Being Present”
- Listen to Episode 3: “Waiting”
If you’d like to receive future episodes of our much-loved audio retreats, sign up to our newsletter and receive episodes direct to your inbox.
If you’d like to listen to more audio retreats, you can explore some of our previous series and take a prayerful audio journey with St Augustine’s.
