Notable Feast Days this Week:

November 26 - Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, 311 (Roman)
November 27 - James the Persian, c. 421
November 28 - Stephen the Younger
November 29 - Noah (Lutheran)
November 30 - St. Andrew, Apostle
December 1 - The Prophet Nahum
December 2 - The Prophet Habakkuk (Eastern)

Revised Common Lectionary

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Daily Readings
Liturgical Color - Purple/Blue
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--- The First Week of Advent --- December 2, 2018 (Year C)
Walking and Waiting in Love
"Our God is a God of justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 33:14-16). During the Advent season, we are reminded that we are called to learn his ways and walk in the paths of humility and love (Psalm 25:1-9). As we look to his return (Luke 21:25-36), we pray and give thanks, desiring to become holy as he is holy (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)." -Thomas Oden
Advent 2018
“Coming” or “Arrival”
 
During Advent, the Church turns its gaze toward the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. This season is an opportunity for Christians to prepare themselves for Christmas through longing and a renewed desire for God's rule in the midst of everyday life. Advent practices of prayer and repentance look back to remember the faithfulness of God revealed through the birth of Jesus, and forward to, “...the blessed hope of His glorious appearing." The story of our redemption starts with waiting and expectation.  
 
"The presence of the Triune God among his people in this age truly is an adventus, a coming presence, a presence in absence and absence in presence." 
― from Michael Horton "Introducing Covenant Theology"
Colors and Symbolism
  • Purple: Communicates the majesty that heralds the coming of the King of Kings and the waiting that precedes it.  
  • Green: An ancient symbol of immortality, life, and growth in Christ.
  • Circle: Symbolizes the eternal transcendence of God and life in Christ
  • Light: A symbol of God's presence
  • Darkness: A symbol of God's absence. Darkness is overcome by the arrival of Christ the Messiah (Isaiah 9:2, Romans 13:12). It also reminds us that we still wait for his Second Advent.
Advent Resources
“Yearning and Promise” A liturgical video meditation from Fuller Studio
Psalm of the Week
Scripture Readings

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust...do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord...Guide me in your truth...for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long...


Commentary on Psalm 25
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon,
Stan Mast, Scott Hoezee

Audio
Psalm 25, Jeremiah 33,
1 Thessalonians 3, Luke 21
Jeremiah 33:14-16
A righteous branch springs from David

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Hearts strengthened in holiness

Luke 21:25-36
Watch for the coming of the Son of Man
 
 
Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

Bible in a Year
Chronological
Practicing Prayer
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 
-from The Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)
Morning Prayer (View and Download)
Resources for Daily Prayer
Psalm Spotify Playlist
Singing Psalms and Hymns
Hymn suggestions for the First Week of Advent from Hymnary.org 

"Ten Modern Arrangements for Advent" | An article by Philip Majorins in Reformed Worship Magazine (Sept. 2016)

Advent Hymn (The Lord Has Come to Dwell) | by Sarah Majorins | Leadsheet 

Savior of the Nations, Come | Leadsheet

Ready the Way | by Curtis Stephan | Leadsheets

Wait for the Lord | Taize Melody | Leadsheet 

Come Light Our Hearts | by Sandra McCraken | Leadsheet

Lord, To You My Soul is Lifted (Psalm 25) | by Lee Ann Vermeulen and Roberts Stanley Wiersma (The Psalm Project)| Leadsheet  

Psalm 25: To You, O Lord  | by Stephen Pishner (based on O Come O Come Emmanuel) | Leadsheet

To You O Lord I Lift Up My Soul (Psalm 25) | by Graham Kendrick | Leadsheet and Chord Chart 

Psalm 25 | by Joe Day (Mars Hill Music) | Chord Chart

Psalm 25 Refrain | from The Emergent Psalter | Leadsheet

Psalm 25 | Metrical Options
Music for Listening (Advent)
Thematic Art 
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