First Sunday of Advent
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 ESV
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.’
Reflection
In these words, so appropriate and relevant to the times we are living in – nations in perplexity, the earth in distress, people in great fearfulness – Jesus offers 2 invitations. The first invitation may feel strange. ‘Straighten up, raise your heads’, or as we may say, ‘Look up! Stand tall’. For our redemption, that which we set our hope on, is drawing closer.
An invitation to pay attention to what we focus on.
Do we focus on the circumstances all around us? Or on God’s activity taking place in and through what is happening?
You may wish to take some time reflecting honestly with Jesus on where your focus tends to be and how you might focus on what Jesus invites us to focus on.
The second invitation is to ‘stay awake’ and alert, praying for strength to stand firm. To ‘watch and pray’ (c.f. Mark 14:38).
What does staying awake and praying for strength look like for you in this time of distress and perplexity?
The theme of the first Sunday (and week) in Advent is Hope: How do these verses stir up hope in you?
Today’s Music
“Stay Here” by “Taize”