Toru - Rātū 3 Hakihea - Tikanga

Day 3 - Tuesday 3rd December - Tikanga 

He kaupapa mō te rā

Tikanga

Tikanga is deeply rooted in practical experiences built up over generations. Tikanga is more than a set of rules that provide a pathway to follow - it is the Māori way of holistically living and interacting with all other things. There is room and a spaciousness for us all to appreciate, learn and be inspired by tikanga, even if we are not Māori or live in Aotearoa. Tikanga is woven throughout this year’s Counting Down to Christ-mas and the invitation is for all to be inspired by the whakapapa of tikanga to journey with us through Advent. 

He Karaipiture (Bible Reading)

Kenehi/Genesis 1:1-5

Nā, ka mea te Atua, “Kia ngahue ake i roto i ngā wai te mea ora e ngōki ana, kia rere anō hoki te manu i runga ake i te whenua i te mata o te kiko o te rangi.” Nā, ka hangā e te Atua ngā tohorā nunui, me ngā mea ora katoa, ngā mea ngōkingōki i ngahue ake nei i roto i ngā wai, o ia āhua, o ia āhua, me ngā manu whai parirau katoa, o ia āhua, o ia āhua. Ā, ka kite te Atua, he pai. Nā, ka manaaki te Atua i a rātou, ka mea, “Kia hua koutou, kia tini, kia kapi hoki ngā wai o ngā moana i a koutou, kia tini anō hoki ngā manu ki runga ki te whenua.” Ā, ko te ahiahi, ko te ata, he rā tuarima.

In the beginning, when God created the universe, the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared. God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, and he named the light “Day” and the darkness “Night.” Evening passed and morning came—that was the first day.

Whakarongo/Titiro Mai (Listen/Watch)

We are all seeds in the seed bed of life. Thanks be to God!

Ngā mea waihanga (Create)

These pine cones are readily available at this time of year. These are partnered with small halo shells, pine nut smiles, feathery hair, and the ginkgo tree will happily relinquish it’s leaves to elevate our creation to greater heights, befitting of all angels!

He Whakaaroaro (Reflect)

Having a certain way we each ‘do Christ-mas’ is part of this time of year. Different families, communities, churches and individuals celebrate with customs passed down from previous generations.  We’ve also created our own new rituals we practice year after year. Being constantly open to new ways to celebrate Christ-mas invites an openness to us hearing from God. In this year’s Counting Down to Christmas, we bring a focus to hearing about tikanga and an openness to be inspired by new ways of thinking about our celebrations and yearnings as we progress through Advent. 

Whakahokia mai (Respond)

Make a list of your familiar rituals. Leave some space to add some new things you’ll include this year.

Karakia (Pray)

Mā te rā e kawe mai te ngoi ia rā ia rā.

Mā te marama e whakaora i a koe i waenga pō.

Mā te ua e horoi ōu māharahara.

Mā te hau e pupuhi te pākahukahu ki roto i tō tinana,

i roto i ōu hikoitanga i te ao,

kia whakaaro koe ki te hūmarie ataahua hoki o ōu rā

mō ake tonu atu, Āmine. 

May the sun bring you energy by day.

May the moon softly restore you by night.

May the rain wash away your worries.

May the wind blow new strength into your being.

May you walk on this earth in peace 

all the days of your life and know its beauty

for ever and ever, Amen.