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December 2, 2007 - 1st Sunday in Advent
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from
sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is
far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the
armor of light.
-- Romans 13:11-12
It is the time of year where our Church calendar starts anew with the season of
Advent. The color is blue, representing hope and expectation. Like New Year's Eve,
it's time to take stock of our lives and look forward with hopefulness in the new year.
The Apostle Paul teaches us that it is time to “wake up” from our groggy lives and
pay attention to God's presence. The night is far gone – it's a new day. What better
time than the present to lay aside our attentiveness to the darkness and look for the
light? God is already in the new year, calling us forward.
What is your hope for this new Church year?
We pray: Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful
protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in
the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen
Lessons for the 1st Sunday in Advent:
- Psalm 122
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Romans 13:11-14
- Matthew 1:1-6a
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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