Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, December 1, 2024, the First Sunday of Advent.
In this Sunday’s sermon, I invite us to explore how Advent calls us to acknowledge the brokenness in our lives and in the world while holding onto the hope of renewal through Christ. We reflect on our reading Luke 21:25-36 and Jesus’ promise of transformation and we discover how we can be signs of hope in our communities today.
Advent 1 Candle Prayer
Loving God, as we light this first candle of Advent, we remember your promise of renewal and the hope you bring into the world. In the midst of brokenness, uncertainty, and turmoil, your light shines, calling us to trust in your unstoppable power to transform and restore.
Help us to stay vigilant, with hearts open to your work in our lives and our communities. May this flame remind us that even in the darkest moments, your light cannot be extinguished. Teach us to be signs of your hope, sharing your love and justice with the world around us.
As we begin this Advent journey, we cry out with confidence and expectation: Lord Jesus, come soon! Amen.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. – Luke 21:28
Today’s Reading – Luke 21.25–36
Jesus said, “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.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- Where do you see signs of brokenness in your own life or in the world around you? How might God be inviting you to bring those areas to God for renewal?
- What are some small, everyday ways you can be a sign of hope for others during this Advent season?
- When have you experienced God’s transformative work in the past? How does remembering those moments strengthen your trust in God’s promises today?
- How can you balance acknowledging the challenges and burdens of life with staying hopeful and expectant for the renewal God promises?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ↩︎