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ADVENT – WEEK 1

This is the first Sunday of the Advent season. Advent is a season of waiting, and its intention is to cultivate our awareness of what God has done – in the past, present, and future.

During Advent we listen to the prophecies of the Messiah’s coming as addressed to you and me – people who wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Throughout this season we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises, when death is swallowed up in victory and all tears are wiped away.

In our times gathered together this month, we will seek to build a sense of tension and expectation where we recognize that Christ has come but not all things have been accomplished yet. We remember Israel’s waiting and hoping, we give thanks for the birth of Jesus, and we anticipate His second and final return.

We will use both songs and visuals to aid our reflection. Both the stage lights and the colors on the screen will be deep blue, which is one of the historical colors for Advent. And each week we’ll light a candle to help us worship with hope and anticipation.

I look forward to gathering this week and singing songs of hope, anticipation, and longing for our Savior, Jesus Christ to come again once and for all.

SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER

All Creation Sing (Joy To The World) | [listen]
Isaac Watts (1719), Steve Fee
Psalm 96:11-12

Newborn King | [listen]
Bryan Brown, Jeff Pardo
Luke 2:14

Noel | [listen + lyrics]
Michael Guy Chislett, Ben Tan
Isaiah 6:9

Come to Me | [listen]
Elizabeth Akers, Jeff Capps, Michael Bleecker
Matthew 11:28-30

SERMON TEXT

Philippians 2
Ephesians 5
Romans 15