First Sunday of Advent
Worship
More Services for the Advent Wreath
For Lectionary Cycle B
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)
Date: _________________________
Reader A: ________________________________
Reader B: __________________________________
Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)
Litany
Reader A: Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
What prospects, that I should be patient?
... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles ...
Scripture
Reader B: With hope, listen to the words of Mark as he predicts the coming of the Lord:
Reader A: "But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back -- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "
Lighting Of The First Advent Candle
Reader B: The first candle we light this Advent season is the candle of hope.
Our hope is in God who is merciful and gracious.
(While Reader B is reading, Reader A uses the small candle at the back of the wreath to take the light from the altar candle and transfer it to the front candle. Extinguish the small candle and return it to the back of the wreath.)
Prayer
Reader B: Let us pray:
Almighty God, as we eagerly wait for your return, our hope is that you not only establish your kingdom in our hearts, but in the hearts of all people. Amen.
Introit
(As the introit is being sung again, the readers may be seated.)
Date: _________________________
Reader A: ________________________________
Reader B: __________________________________
Introit
(As the introit is being sung, Readers A and B come forward and stand by the Advent wreath until the music is finished.)
Litany
Reader A: Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins.
(Pause as they do so.)
What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
What prospects, that I should be patient?
... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles ...
Scripture
Reader B: With hope, listen to the words of Mark as he predicts the coming of the Lord:
Reader A: "But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back -- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "
Lighting Of The First Advent Candle
Reader B: The first candle we light this Advent season is the candle of hope.
Our hope is in God who is merciful and gracious.
(While Reader B is reading, Reader A uses the small candle at the back of the wreath to take the light from the altar candle and transfer it to the front candle. Extinguish the small candle and return it to the back of the wreath.)
Prayer
Reader B: Let us pray:
Almighty God, as we eagerly wait for your return, our hope is that you not only establish your kingdom in our hearts, but in the hearts of all people. Amen.
Introit
(As the introit is being sung again, the readers may be seated.)
