Advent One 2022
The Collect
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Isaiah 2:1-5
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 ploughshares, 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!
Psalm 122
1 I was glad when they said to me, *
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;
4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the LORD.
5 For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8 For my brethren and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good."
The Epistle
Romans 13:11-14
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
The Gospel
Matthew 24:36-44 
Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
A new chapter begins with Advent. Every year, from Advent through Epiphany, this blog contains letters from Mary as she makes her way through this incredible time. I hope you will take as they are offered - a reflection and a prayer in this time of hope and waiting.
Dear Auntie,
I am not sure if you are the person to talk to, but I know you would understand. Mama and Papa are so practical and don't want to listen to what they call my "childish worries." They don't take much of what I say seriously, but I know you will. They have so many burdens, I know, and the climate here has become unbearable for so many. The Roman occupation has gone on for too long. It has worn everyone out, including my parents.
Last night I had an amazing dream. I was late at night, and I woke with a start. I knew I was still dreaming since there was a man, robed in gold and white, standing in my room. I tried to scream but I could not. At first, I thought maybe an occupying soldier had broken in. We have heard stories about how they abuse young women and get away with it. I was terrified!
He told me not to be afraid, and his face was kind and gentle. He said he was sent by God to bring me some amazing news. He went on to tell me that I was to bear the Messiah, the child of the living God. I was shaking and so overwhelmed that I fell to my knees. He helped me to the window seat and told me how much God loves me and was calling me for this purpose. After I finally stopped shaking and caught my breath, I told him I would do as God has asked. I don't remember him leaving, just waking up this morning in my own bed. When Mama came into my room this morning, she said I looked so beautiful and so grown up. How could I tell her what I had experienced!
Oh, Elizabeth, please tell me what to do. I'm so scared and not ready to deal with all of this.
Love,
Mary
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