2015 Advent Wreath Meditations — Year C, First Sunday of Advent (McIntyre)

by Dean B. McIntyre
Former Director of Music Resources, Discipleship Ministries

This set of brief meditations and scripture may be used in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath in worship at church or home. Each meditation uses one of the 2015 lectionary readings for that day. The readings are divided into sections that can be assigned to various persons participating, including children. Choose from among the hymn options to conclude each meditation. Permission is granted to download, copy, adapt, edit, and reprint for home or local church worship with the inclusion of the copyright citation on each copy.

First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2015)

“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. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

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, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28, NRSV)

The Wise Men and shepherds saw signs that foretold Jesus’ coming 2000 years ago. Today we don’t look for a single brilliant star to follow or for angels singing in the heavens. We look for other signs that Jesus is with us, signs that:

…we are feeding the hungry, healing the sick,
…clothing the naked, caring for the poor,
…working for justice and righteousness at home and in our world.

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!

And so we watch, and wait, and stay alert, waiting again for the coming of Jesus. And we light a single candle in preparation for that glorious day.

[Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.]

ALL: COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

• “Blessed Be the God of Israel,” No. 209 (st. 1 or 1&3), The United Methodist Hymnal
• “Star-Child,” no. 2095, The Faith We Sing (any combination of stanzas)
• “Until Jesus Comes,” no. 3050, Worship & Song

New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.