First Sunday of Advent

The season of Advent is a time of waiting, properly understood as preparation. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is normal to focus on menu planning, shopping for gifts, and writing Christmas cards. These are the usual ways to prepare for Christmas. One important part we left out though is found in today's Gospel. Jesus tells his disciples, “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36-38). 

Advent provides us the opportunity to reflect on the reason for waiting...the arrival of Jesus Christ into our hearts. We also learn how we wait... Anxiously? Lonely? Curiously? Thankfully? Joyfully? As we begin this holy season, let us ask the Lord to open our hearts in prayer to receive the gift of his ever abiding presence. 

Scripture Reading December 1, 2024

Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36