First Sunday in Advent

First Sunday in Advent

Readings:

Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

“Nativity Hymn 11” by Charles Wesley

Light of those whose dreary dwelling
Borders on the shades of death,
Come, and by thy love’s revealing
Dissipate the clouds beneath:
The new heaven and earth’s Creator,
In our deepest darkness rise,
Scattering all the night of nature,
Pouring eyesight on our eyes.

Still we wait for thy appearing,
Life and joy thy beams impart,
Chasing all our fears, and cheering
Every poor benighted heart.
Come, and manifest the favour
God hath for our ransomed race;
Come, thou universal Saviour,
Come, and bring the gospel-grace.

Save us in thy great compassion,
O thou mild pacific Prince,
Give the knowledge of salvation,
Give the pardon of our sins;
By thine all-redeeming merit
Every burdened soul release,
Every weary wand’ring spirit
Guide into thy perfect peace.
 
Reflection: Our everyday world “Borders on the shades of death”; we see daily examples of things that have gone wrong. In our world, nation fights nation. In our community, neighbor abuses neighbor. In our family, brother and sister turn away from each other. Our world does not need a makeover; it needs emergency reconstructive surgery. Jesus’ coming interrupts life as usual. His arrival upends dreary lives and sinful habits. We need this every bit as much as the comfort of the Child in the manger.

Prayer: Be the light in our darkness, Lord Jesus. Have mercy on us. Give us the grace of good news for all people. Amen.