Advent is a time of preparation – a time when we reflect on the coming of the Lord in the Person of Christ. These daily studies take us right through December and dwell on God’s preparation of people and events in history, which made the incarnation possible.

When we read the word ‘time’ in the New Testament, it is a translation of one of two Greek words – chronos or kairos. Chronos, from which we get our English word ‘chronology’, means the time on your wristwatch, time on the move, time passing from present to future, and so becoming past. Kairos, on the other hand, means ‘the appointed time in the purpose of God’, the time when God acts. Kairos is time in a qualitative rather than a quantitative sense. It is
 time as a stirring breakthrough, a significant occasion, an imminent, immeasurable quality. The New Testament writers use the word kairos to communicate the idea of God’s time; it is eternal reality breaking into the now. When we read about kairos, we sit up and listen.

• Each day contains a Bible reading, taken from the newly released NIV audio Bible read by the renowned BAFTA award-winning actor David Suchet and then some reflection on God’s word.  There is also a suggestion for personal reflection and a prayer each day, and then a few questions to consider.
• You may want to write down your thoughts in answer to these questions, in a journal or notebook or you may want to discuss them with a friend or partner who is also following the studies for Advent.
• At the end of each week there is a group activity, designed to bring together for a weekly discussion people who may all be following the Advent readings individually.
• Amy suggests you pray each day before you read or listen to the scripture and ask the Lord by His Holy Spirit to speak to you and open His Word to you in a fresh way.

We are delighted that THE TIME IS NOW features sections of the scriptures read by one of Britain’s best loved actors, David Suchet. Ever since David Suchet became a Christian aged 40 the Poirot actor has had a dream to record the entire Bible. This dream became a reality earlier this year, when Hodder and Stoughton released the NIV Audio Bible with Suchet reading. In between filming episodes of Poirot, Suchet recorded over 200 hours in the studio, giving his entire fee to charity, and creating the first full-length audio version of the NIV by a single British actor. David Suchet’s Bible Readings from the NIV are available as an audio Bible from www.hodder.co.uk. Watch the video of David Suchet talking about the recordings: http://bit.ly/11Gf9LL