join us for Advent Sunday worship at https://youtu.be/-zoCiHBa38Y

First Sunday of Advent

Readings: Jeremiah 33v14-16; Psalm 25v1-9; 1 Thessalonians 3v9-end; Luke 21v25-36.

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word : Today is the first Sunday of the Christian year, named Advent Sunday. Today begins a season of waiting with anticipation: as we prepare for the celebration of the Incarnation, the time that God came to earth as a baby. Our first reading, from Jeremiah, is God’s affirmation of his promise to send the Messiah, born in the line of David, a righteous Lord who would bring justice. A prophecy about the incarnation, in which God would become man and live amongst us. In our time, as Christians we believe that the Incarnation is a part of our history because we believe that Jesus was the Messiah, born so long ago in the city of Bethlehem. A time we call to mind at Christmas.

However, the season of Advent is also a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus return at the end of time. This preparation is important because we do not know when Jesus will return but what we do know is that when he does return he will judge the living and the dead. In Luke we hear some of signs that will be seen in the heavens and on earth before Jesus returns. In Luke, Jesus tells us that heaven and earth will pass away but his word will continue forever. In Luke, Jesus also warns that we need to get ready, stay ready and be alert for his return by praying and avoiding being dragged down by overindulgence, intemperance and degeneracy.

Down the ages all manner of people have prayed in many and varied ways. For example, in the psalm God is being asked to teach us his ways and lead us to the truth. As a prayer, the psalm acknowledges our sinfulness and asks for help to learn God’s ways. The psalm is also a prayer of praise for God, because God is always compassionate, ever loving, merciful and gracious to all people who follow God’s ways. In the letter to the Thessalonians we hear another example of prayer, that gives thanks to God for the Christians in Thessalonica and prays for their growth in faith and love – so they will be blameless when Jesus returns to gather us in for the final judgement.

Today, as we begin the Advent season, it is our turn to prepare – not just for Christmas – but especially for Jesus’ return. I pray we will make the time to get ready and stay ready for Jesus’ return.

Let us pray: Almighty God, you offer us grace to turn away from works of darkness and offer us your armour of light in Jesus Christ our Lord. Teach us to be a watchful people, as we await the coming of your son so that we shall be found active in your service and ready to meet Jesus when he comes to judge the living and the dead. Amen

Thanks for joining us today.