ADVENT 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Lighting the Advent Wreath
Third Sunday in Advent

Reader 1: Dear God, we are looking forward with joy to the birth of your Son.  Amen.

Reader 2: John 15: 10-17

Reader 3: (Lighting the first candle.)

We relight the first candle to remember that Jesus brings us hope.  We continue to hope and pray 
for ________________________ (repeat what you chose last week).

Reader 4: (Lighting the second candle.)

We relight the second candle to remember that Jesus shows us the right way to live.

Reader 5: (Lighting the third candle.)

We light this candle to remember that Jesus brings us joy.

All: Dear God, as we look forward to Jesus’ birthday, help us to experience the joy of your love.

Sharing: Talk about things that bring you joy.

Sing a favorite Christmas Carol.

 
Sunday, December 16, Meditation

Isaiah 13:1-13    
Hebrews 12:18-29    
John 3:22-30

John 3:22-30—If Jesus is the physical representation of Christmas, then John the Baptist is the physical representation of Advent.  John even explains to his disciples that his role is to “prepare the way for [Jesus].”  Excluding Jesus, whom none of us could be, there are two distinct camps of people in this reading.  Two thousand plus years later, we, as Christians, seem to fall into both camps.  On the one hand, we’re much like John the Baptist: telling the world of Jesus and preparing the way for his birth.  On the other hand, we’re a lot like his disciples, complaining that too many people are on the other banks, being baptized by someone whom we are not following.

In so many ways, through the commercialization of Christmas and our busy lives, Advent has become more like the disciples of John, and less like John himself.  When possible we still try to balance the preparations of Christ into our Advent lives, but at the same time we’re so worried about having the best gifts for our loved ones, the best Christmas tree with the prettiest ornaments, or the gaudiest Christmas light display outside our house so people drive from miles to see it.  While it is extremely difficult to be the voice of reason in a world that bustles by at this time of year, it is important that we stand up for what Advent is really about, not what the world tells us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remember what Advent is truly about.  Remind us to be like John in preparing your way.  Please also remind us to spend this season by sharing your love with the world.  Amen. 

This web site is designed & maintained by Epworth OnLine Disciples E O D
Last modified November 17, 2007