A Reading for the First Sunday of Advent

Introduction

The word “advent” means coming. Advent is a season of expectation and longing. It’s a time when we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Christ in his incarnation, and a reminder that Christ is coming again to make all things new.

With each candle of Advent this year, we are rehearsing God’s story of redemption. The first candle reminds us of God’s purpose in creation.

Scripture

Genesis 1:1-4 says:

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.”

1 John 1:5 says:

“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

And Revelation 4:11 declares:

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Light the first purple candle.           

We light the first candle of Advent to remember that God is light, and he made this world to reflect the light of his glory.

Prayer

Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father,

“The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”* You made this world that you might fill it with the light of your glory. You promised to accomplish your plan and redeem this world by sending the light of your Son. Prepare our hearts to receive him this advent season. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”**

Amen.

    *Ps. 24:1; **2 Cor. 4:6