First Sunday of Advent - Reflection from Canon Leslie

Today, the First Sunday of Advent, begins a new year in the Church’s liturgical and lectionary cycle. This year it is the turn for Luke’s Gospel to take the lead. The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent is part of Luke’s adaptation of the thirteenth chapter of Mark’s Gospel, the Apocalyptic discourse.  The teaching is stimulated by the disciples’ question, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ Luke’s message to the disciples is to be on guard so that day should not catch them unawares.  This passage has been chosen for the First Sunday of Advent to remind us that we, too, need to be on guard and to be prepared for the Lord’s coming. 
 
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of Advent calendar. In today’s picture from his book, Lights, Teddy Horsley is beginning to count down the days until Christmas.  
 
Lord Jesus Christ, 
we look forward to your birth at Christmas. 
Stay with us as we count the days, 
so that we are ready to welcome you; 
for you are our God. 
Amen. 
 
Next Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, introduces John the Baptist preparing for the ministry of Jesus. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is Christmas decorations. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.