Celebrate: Advent Week Four
Gentle Liturgies to create a moment to pause and reflect as we prepare
Trees in the Desert. Light in the Darkness.
This week is for the ones who have not lit their advent candles yet, or perhaps lit them in the early days and then forgot about them, or those who walk by the advent candles and think “oh right” while we scuffle along too busy, or tired or maybe just a bit too disconnected. This is for you, for me. May we all know that it is always time for Advent. May the light in the darkness draw you close as you look and see there are trees in the desert awaiting you.
This week we are reflecting on the practice of celebrating. How can we be people of joy today, while also looking forward to the true rejoicing that it is to come? I wonder if looking for the trees in the desert is exactly how we start. What delight and joy can you find in unexpected places this week?
There is no shortage of Advent studies these days. I encourage you to choose the one you prefer, or continue on in your readings as you have been all year. The liturgies below are short scripts of prayers and scripture and reflection for you to practice as you light advent candles throughout the coming weeks. There is a rhythm to liturgy that is beautiful. As you work your way through the coming weeks we will continue to recite and meditate on Isaiah 41:19-20. I have three liturgies for each week. Use them as you like. There is no such thing as being behind on Advent so wherever you find yourself tonight on this first night of Advent know that the waiting is always good.
Thank you for reading The Table with Jessica Herberger. I wrote these liturgies as a gift and would be so happy to have you share them with those you know.
Throughout Advent, every time we light an advent candle(s) we recite this scripture and prayer:
Advent Focus Scripture
Isaiah 41: 19-20
19 I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together, 20 so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Advent Prayer
Just like the seeds found in the cones of junipers, fir and cypress trees, we see the hope of new life in the gift of Jesus. When we look at a pinecone, we are reminded of the promise of what is yet to be. The seeds buried deep within, requiring heat, warmth, even fire, to release them, remind us of the power of the light. May we see God’s hand at work as we look around us. May we see the trees in the desert. May we look for the light. May we slow down enough to consider and understand, to see and to know that God is with us.
Throughout Advent, every time we light an advent candle(s) we recite this scripture and prayer.
Welcome the Week Liturgy
Light four candles, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
This fourth week of advent we are called to consider Celebrating.
How can we be people of joy as we celebrate today?
Isaiah 9:2-6
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. [a] The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. 5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
While the world around us crashes into Christmas, we yearn to first be people of Advent, celebrating while we wait. With joy we look forward to the arrival of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, Jesus. We anticipate a time of rejoicing. We recognize God’s great light. Help us to be people of celebration as we wait to once again welcome Christ. May we welcome Advent with glad hearts-waiting, anticipating, preparing, celebrating. Amen.
Mid-Week Liturgy
Light four candles, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
As we celebrate this week, may we welcome the reminder of how hard it is to celebrate knowing the true rejoicing is yet to come. May we wait to rejoice the true joy of Christmas upon the birth of Christ.
Isaiah 9:6
6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
These can be shared aloud or journaled on your own.
What is a way you can welcome celebration yet continue to look to Christmas with expectation?
(Consider reframing Christmas day not as the “finish line” but rather the beginning of the true celebration season, make plans to practice the 12days of Christmas-make it fun and easy.)
While the world rushes through the last week before Christmas as if running a race may we celebrate slowly with purpose and joy pointing to the great rejoicing yet to come. Amen.
End of Week Reflection CHRISTMAS EVE!
Light four candles, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
As we reflect on this week of celebrating and this season of waiting we confess how easy it is to get swept up into the rush and hustle of the world around us. As we sit awaiting the true rejoicing that can only come from Christ, may we be people of celebration sharing great joy with the world around us. Help us to carry forward a posture of celebrating with joy as we continue to sit in the beauty of Advent. May we be people of rejoicing as we do.
Share with each other how the Advent season has been. Share as you are led.
Close with this simple prayer:
Help us to carry forward a posture of celebrating with joy as we continue to sit in the beauty of Advent. May we be people of rejoicing as we do.
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