First Sunday In Advent
Worship
More Services for the Advent Wreath
Cycle C
Object:
First Sunday In Advent
For Luke 21:25-36
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)
Date:
Reader A:
Reader B:
Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)
Litany
Reader A:
Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Scripture
Reader B:
With hope, listen to these fearful words of Christ:
Reader A:
"There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Lighting Of The First Advent Candle
Reader B:
The first candle we light this Advent season is the candle of hope.
Our hope is in God who is merciful and gracious.
(While Reader B is reading, Reader A uses the small candle at the back of the wreath to take the light from the altar candle and transfer it to the front candle. Extinguish the small candle and return it to the back of the wreath.)
Prayer
Reader B:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, we fear your coming. But may we remember that this is for our redemption. Increase our hope, so that with confidence we may lift up our heads to your coming. Amen.
Introit
(As the introit is being sung again, the readers may be seated.)
For Luke 21:25-36
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)
Date:
Reader A:
Reader B:
Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)
Litany
Reader A:
Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Scripture
Reader B:
With hope, listen to these fearful words of Christ:
Reader A:
"There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Lighting Of The First Advent Candle
Reader B:
The first candle we light this Advent season is the candle of hope.
Our hope is in God who is merciful and gracious.
(While Reader B is reading, Reader A uses the small candle at the back of the wreath to take the light from the altar candle and transfer it to the front candle. Extinguish the small candle and return it to the back of the wreath.)
Prayer
Reader B:
Let us pray:
Almighty God, we fear your coming. But may we remember that this is for our redemption. Increase our hope, so that with confidence we may lift up our heads to your coming. Amen.
Introit
(As the introit is being sung again, the readers may be seated.)
