We invite you to join us for the 1st Sunday of Advent on December 1, 2024, at 9:00 am. Our service will be held in person, live-streamed, and available for replay on YouTube and as a podcast. Let us come together to begin this sacred season with hope and expectation.
Livestream/Replay
Podcast
If you’re interested, feel free to check out our past episodes.
The Collect for 1st Sunday of Advent 2024
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Readings for 1st Sunday of Advent 2024
Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16
14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Gospel: Luke 21:25-36
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34 “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Hymns
Opening: 57 Lo From Clouds Descending
Reflection on the Readings
As we begin the Advent season, our readings invite us to a time of hopeful anticipation and spiritual preparation. Jeremiah speaks of the righteous Branch that will bring justice and safety— a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The psalm reminds us to trust God’s steadfast love and seek His guidance.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages us to grow in love and holiness as we await Christ’s return. The Gospel of Luke highlights the signs of the Son of Man’s coming and calls us to be alert and prayerful, ready to stand before Him.
This Advent, let us cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of our Lord and Savior.
Join us as we journey through Advent, drawing closer to God and each other in faith and love.
Could you help support us?
Please help us help others.
Could you help support us so we can help and serve others?
What is going on at St John’s
Stay updated with what we are doing
Visit our announcement page to mark your calendar to join us.
Do you want to pray with us?
Join us in prayer!
See who we’re praying for, or submit your prayer request.
Leave a Reply