2016 Advent Wreath Meditations — Year A, First Sunday of Advent

This set of brief meditations and scripture may be used in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath in worship at church or home. Each meditation uses one of the 2016 lectionary readings for that day. The readings are divided into sections that can be assigned to various persons participating, including children. Choose from among the hymn options to conclude each meditation. Permission is granted to download, copy, adapt, edit, and reprint for home or local church worship with the inclusion of the copyright citation on each copy.

First Sunday of Advent (November 27, 2015)

We are a people who walk in darkness, and we search for the light. Our journey leads us deeper into the night of our souls, and we long to be made whole again and released from the powers of sin and death. Yes, we have seen the flowers bloom and the plants rise up and claim the sunlight provided for them, but we have also seen these same plants die and wither as the cold approaches. It is in this season of darkness that we encounter a reading from the Book of Isaiah on this first Sunday of Advent.

Isaiah 2: 1-5 (NRSV)
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

One: The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.

We are a people of hope, and the darkness will not overcome us. Darkness will become light, war will become peace, and death will give way to life. We light this candle today to provide a source of light and warmth that guides our paths and gives us confidence for the journey, reminding us of the Source of hope.

[Light the first candle.]

One: And so we offer this mysterious prayer:
ALL: Lord Jesus, quickly come.

SUNG RESPONSE: “Come, Lord Jesus, Come”