First Sunday of Advent 2024 - Year C

Gospel for the day - First Sunday of Advent

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 'Your redemption is drawing near.'

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

‘But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Sometimes we fix Jesus historically into a first coming 2000 years ago and a second coming at some time in the future. The fact is Jesus comes as often as we invite him into our hearts. That does not stop us preparing to celebrate his birth at Christmas - rather we should be well practised at welcoming him into our hearts by then!


  1. In this season of Advent let’s see if we can find daily opportunities to welcome the Lord. For example, when you see Christmas products or hear references to Christmas just say a quick prayer of welcome e.g. “Come Lord Jesus”, “Lord I love you”. Share your prayer.
  2. What have been the strengths of your prayer life? What habit of prayer could you strengthen during this Advent season?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession

For Pope Francis and all faith leaders, that, like Jeremiah, they will encourage everyone to trust that God’s promises of justice and restoration will be fulfilled, and to wait with patience and hope in these challenging times.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For our national leaders, that their hearts are drawn to God, so that justice will prevail and peaceful solutions found in all areas of conflict; that concern for the poor will guide their consciences and the rule of tyranny broken; that love of peace will shape their agendas.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For all the displaced people of the world, who are suffering as a result of war, famine or extreme poverty. May they be given a vision of hope, through the agencies bringing relief. May those courageous people who put themselves at risk to bring help, be given the Lord’s strength to carry on, despite any difficult conditions.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For today’s victims of global warming, both human and non-human and for more ambition in the energy transition in this country and globally. May our governments negotiate a global and fair phase-out of fossil fuels.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For our church community, that by focusing on our relationships, the Lord will increase our love for one another and by this, we will make Advent a meaningful time of preparation for His coming.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


For ourselves, that we will be watchful and prayerful, staying alert and paying attention to how we live. May we remember that prayer helps us to stay connected to God and to gain strength in our faith, as we face the every day challenges life brings us.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


For all who are ill, in pain, in hospital or suffering alone, and everyone on the Prayer Foundation List. May they experience the Lord’s healing touch through professionals, family, and friends, who care for them.

Come Lord Jesus, come.


For those in our church community who have died and all whose anniversaries occur at this time. In particular Eddie McKelvey, Fr. Eugen, Fr. Gordon Brown & Carolyn Fraser. May they enjoy forever God’s Kingdom of love, joy and peace.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  Second Sunday of Advent

Luke 3:1-6 'All flesh shall see the salvation of God.'


In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.


And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,


‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


As it came to John all those years ago so it comes to us: the Word of the Lord – weekly, perhaps daily. In modern times, the words of the gospel do seem like a voice in the wilderness - not a wilderness of things for we are choking the planet with things; rather a wilderness of spirit.


  1. It seems that the message of the gospel belongs to another mentality, another world than the one we are living in. How can you balance all the necessary trappings of Christmas with the coming of the Saviour? (Hint: get along to one of the cluster’s Advent events…)
  2. In what areas of your life do you need God’s forgiveness right now? What Advent practice would assist you in expressing your repentance?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center