Advent and December Liturgy

First Sunday of Advent

December 2nd Scriptures- Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; I Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21: 25-36.

How can we participate in the coming reign of Christ? That is the challenge of Advent. God promises a new order, the birth of a world in which justice and righteousness rule. The promise is irrevocable- the birth will come. Whether we are among those who will be reborn with that world depends upon our commitment and allegiance, in each moment of our lives, to the one true God rather than the false gods we so often honor. God shows us the way in life and words of
Jesus, and gives us companions- our sisters and brothers in Christ. But ultimately, each of us must actively prepare if we are to be part of what is being born at Christmas.

 

Second Sunday of Advent

December 9th Scriptures-Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

The message of God’s salvation is like a refiner’s fire, or fuller’s soap – cleansing us of our impurities. While the adventof the Messiah is marked with hopeful expectation, preparing for that arrival places demands upon our lives. Withwords that confront our complacency, John the Baptist warns us to repent and amend our lives. Christ is coming-bringing hope, eagerness, and anticipation, but also a little fear and trepidation.

 

Third Sunday of Advent

December 16th Scriptures- Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-8.

With the exception of the Gospel lesson, Philippians captures the mood of the day: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (v.4). God’s salvation is at hand. Isaiah and Zephaniah invite us to sing aloud and shout for joy. Through God, the warrior receives victory while the lame and outcast no longer live in shame. Three of today’s lections celebrate the joy of our salvation – but the Gospel lesson reminds us that salvation demands more than our joy. Beyond calling sinners to repent, John the Baptist warns of the wrath to come for those who hear the good news and reject it. Justice is the order of the day. Salvation entails judgment, and we need to be ready.

 

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 23rd Scriptures- Micah 5: 2-5; Luke 1: 46-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

The long-awaited promised one comes. Micah prophesies this. Shepherd-Ruler will bring security and peace to God’s people. Mary sings the ancient song of fortune’s reversal when God enters our world with hope for the despairing and humility for the proud. Elizabeth’s child leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth proclaims with joy the blessing of Mary’s child.The long-awaited promised one comes.

 

The First Sunday after Christmas

December 30th Scriptures- I Samuel 12:18-20,26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52.

Spiritual growth into God’s ways was obvious in the lives of Samuel and Jesus. In this letter to the Colossians, we are all called to grow into God’s ways of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Clothed in love and wisdom, Samuel and Jesus served not only God but humanity as well. Clothed in love and wisdom, we are called to serve God and humanity, as we join the great praise of creation for the One who has created and clothed us with glory and grace.