Trees in the Desert. Light in the Darkness.
The practice of Advent is a unique way of approaching Christmas. While the world celebrates, we wait. While the world declares it is time to celebrate, we anticipate the arrival of the one worthy of celebration. While the world is filled with busyness, we prepare with intention. Slowing down in this way is an opportunity for us to fully step into the joy of Christamastide. And the world notices. I believe now more than ever the willingness to hold back until the arrival of Christ is a beautiful witness to the world around us. May we be people of peace and unhurriedness this holiday season. May the world around us wonder with awe and see what the LORD has done in us and through us as we wait.
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.
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 one candle, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
This first week of advent we are called to consider Waiting.
How can we be people of peace as we wait?
Isaiah 26:3-4,8-9
3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, because in the LORD, the LORD himself, is an everlasting rock!
8 Yes, LORD, we wait for you in the path of your judgments. Our desire is for your name and renown. 9 I long for you in the night; yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks you, for when your judgments are in the land, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
While the world around us crashes into Christmas, we yearn to first be people of Advent, people of waiting in peace. We trust in the Lord and wait upon Him. We remember those who waited for the Messiah as we too wait for His return. Help us to be people of the yes and the not yet. May we welcome Advent with glad hearts-waiting, anticipating, preparing, celebrating. Amen.
Mid-Week Liturgy
Light one candle, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
As we wait this week, may we welcome the reminder of how hard it is to wait in peace. How thankful we are that it is God himself, God with us, that keeps and holds our peace as we wait.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.
As you continue to move through this week of waiting, prayerfully consider a new waiting practice you can put into place.
Reflection Questions:
These can be shared aloud or journaled on your own.
What is something you can wait on during this season of Advent?
(Perhaps holding off longer on holiday baking, saving certain Christmas albums until the week of Christmas, a slower pace of decorating your home-these are a few examples to get you started.)
What is something you can do while you wait to better equip you to wait well and with intention?
(For most of us this involves replacing screen time with something more valuable. Could you keep your phone out of reach as you watch a movie, start a craft project, pray as you wait at the drive thru-again just a few examples to get you started.)
While the world rushes may we wait well knowing God himself holds our peace. May we welcome Advent with glad hearts-waiting, anticipating, preparing, celebrating. Amen.
End of Week Reflection
Light one candle, recite Advent focus scripture and prayer (above).
Read aloud or to yourself:
As we reflect on this week of waiting we confess how easy it is to get swept up into the rush and hustle of the world around us. As we wait, reminding ourselves of those who waited so long for the coming of the savior, may we remember we are the ones who (soon) get to rejoice in his birth while we also long for his return.
Share with each other how the week of waiting has gone. Reflect on how easy it is to rush through this season. Share as you are led.
Close with this simple prayer:
Help us to carry forward a posture of waiting as we continue to sit in the beauty of Advent. May we be people of peace as we wait. Amen.