Reflection for the First Week in Advent
Over the next 4 weeks we will use words from our Sunday service and verses from our Advent hymn and be posting on each Sunday afternoon until the morning of Christmas Day itself.
Now it is time to start the New Year of the Church calendar as we journey towards Bethlehem and the birth of our Saviour. Each week the anticipation grows as we get closer to the arrival of Emmanuel. In our services we use the same call to worship each week, and light another candle on the Advent Crown until all 5 will be lit. The last one during our Watchnight service on the evening of the 24th December.
Our journey together begins.
Call to Worship.
Jesus, our Prince of Peace, we pray that every time a carol is sung, a Christmas greeting spoken, a nativity play performed, that your name be honoured and glorified and that hard hearts be melted to receive you afresh. Amen
Lighting of the first Advent candle
As Advent dawns, God of all hope, shine your light on the story of the saints who journeyed before us. May the seeds they planted in the world – peace, joy, love – take hold in our hearts and stretch towards the light.
We light a candle for hope, sending prayers high into the inky heavens and dreams deep into the human soul. We light a candle for hope. May it light the way.
ADVENT HYMN
to the Tune “The road and the miles to Dundee” (697 in CH4 – 12 11 12 11)
1. The candle that burns is our hope in Christ Jesus;
It spreads in the darkness, and glows in our hearts;
Whenever our hope seems to fade and to falter
Remember this candle, and hope in our Lord.
© Matthew S. Bicket (10th July 2015)
This poster was made by the young children at the Pram Service on Monday 1st December as they heard the story of Mary and Joseph starting their long journey to Bethlehem.
And the prayer from that Pram Service.
Dear Father, at this time of year when there seems to be so much to do with so little time, show us how to slow down to appreciate and listen to the true story of Christmas.
Mary and Joseph had to make a long, tiring and dangerous journey. All around the world people are still making long and dangerous journeys, trying to find peace and safety from poverty, hunger, persecution and war. Remind us to show compassion to all whom we meet. Amen
Benediction May the love, hope, joy and peace of the Advent season be ours.
May God’s promise, faithfulness, and love sustain and inspire us all as we live the Jesus way.
And may this year’s journey to the Saviour’s birth be eventful, exciting, thought-provoking, reflective,
hope-filled, and precious.