Advent
- Christ United
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
This Sunday - November 30th
1st Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5 ~ Psalm 122 ~ Romans 13:11-14 ~ Matthew 24:36-44
In the 1960’s people were urged to turn on, tune in, and drop out—to leave the material world behind in favor of an alternate reality. In today’s gospel, Jesus also urges us to tune into an alternative to the material world, one he called the coming of the Son of Man. In Jesus’ person, the dominion of God comes into the world, and the risen Christ continues to give us abundant signs of its presence. Jesus commands his followers not to drop out of the world, but to be on the lookout for him in it.
Christians await the second coming of Christ, the parousia, when we believe we will experience God’s reign in its fullness. In the meantime, we live, in the words of some theologians, “already, but not yet.” We look for glimpses of the dominion in the here and now. The season of Advent, and today’s readings, are designed to help turn us on to the excitement and anticipation of God’s reign in our lives and tune in to the infinite opportunities we have to participate in it. In other words, they want to wake us up! (From SundaysAndSeasons.com).After reading the scriptures for this day, discuss the following questions with someone else:
Share a glimpse of the Kingdom you’ve had recently
“Advent” means “coming” or “arrival”. From a faith perspective what are you watching to arrive at this time in your life?
How are you going to observe Advent this year? (see below for some ideas)
Advent Discussion via ZOOM
Pastor Bryan will be hosting a weekly Advent Discussion on Mondays at 6:30PM on ZOOM beginning December 1st.
This four session study is entitled “Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine”. The resource is published through a joint effort of the ELCA and Sumud. Our time will include short videos and ample time for discussion.
If you would like to participate, please email Pastor Bryan and he will get you the ZOOM link.
Note: Pastor Bryan will be sending out the link on Friday or Saturday. If you’ve signed up but don’t get the link, send him a reminder.
Advent is Here
Advent is the Church’s way of getting ready for the coming of Jesus. In the Church that means two things. We prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem. But we also look forward to Jesus’ second coming as he promised to return. Thus you see both themes present in the Sunday readings.
Advent always spans the 4 Sundays before Christmas. This year it begins on November 30th. In a holiday season that is often filled with obligations and celebrations, Advent is a reminder to pause a bit and take some quiet time.
Here are some ways that you and your family can observe Advent.
Have a family Advent wreath with 4 candles. Light one candle each week of Advent til all are burning. You may choose to light the candles at your meals. Here’s a short prayer you can use for each week.
Advent Calendars are a fun way to count down the days of Christmas. In the stores you can find ones with a chocolate or other treat for each day. You may also want to use one that has a brief reflection or devotion. There are a variety of options online if you search for them. Here are two:
ELCA World Hunger. This one includes a nativity that you color and build along with daily activities. An additional devotion is also available to download.
Lutheran Summer Music Academy has a musical meditation for each day of Advent.
Advent Devotionals are a great way to start a devotional practice or vary your established routine. Beginning or ending your day with a brief devotion can be a helpful routine that gives you peace. Here are a couple downloadable devotions.
Luther Seminary provides brief daily devotion for Advent, with a scripture and short meditation. This year the theme is based on the hymn “Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding”.
In 2016, the ELCA Church-wide staff wrote a weekly devotion for Advent that can be downloaded.
The Jesse Tree is a symbol of Jesus’ heritage. This Advent Devotion is designed for families with children of all ages. It can be purchased as a book or the website offers links to each day.
Our church will be offering an Advent Study with Pastor Bryan via Zoom. Each Monday evening, beginning December 1st. See the announcement above. Email pastor Bryan to let him know if you would like receive the Zoom link for this class
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