ADVENT 2023
Week 1
December 3rd thru 9th
Week 1
Daily Reflections
(to view the Reflections,
click on one of the images below
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Opening Song
In Need of a Savior
Andrea Thomas
Opening Prayer
O Emmanuel,
may this wreath and its light remind us
that it is Jesus who came to fulfill all our desires.
Bless this wreath and all who gather around it
as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.
Come, Lord Jesus, bring HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE to our world.
(Light the first candle of the Advent Wreath; Purple)
Scripture Reading
A Reading from the Book of Saint Mark.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”
(Mark 13:33-37)
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
With Jesus in our lives, we have nothing to fear, even when the world is falling apart all around us. When we keep Jesus near at hand we have HOPE, the confidence we need to stand erect and keep our heads held high.
Children’s Video
Intro to Advent
Brother Francis
Meditation
For Unto Us – HOPE
by Lo Alaman
Questions to Contemplate
In what ways can we be watchful and alert?
What can we do to be the eyes and hands of Christ?
What are some things we can do to show this HOPE to others?
How can we make God’s dream of HOPE come true?
In what ways can we make Advent special this year?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, You are the Hope in the darkness of our world. This Advent give us the Wisdom that will help us to slow down, listen to Your voice, and focus on Your saving light. We place our Hope in You as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Your birth on Christmas.
Closing Song
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
BYU Vocal Point