Worship and Devotions

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday, November 30, 2025

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today's readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord's coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

Lighting the Advent Wreath

We light one candle for hope because the world is broken and the wait is long but hope just won't let go. Hope holds space for all our longings lingers on the edge of harsh reality like the dawn gently awakening the sky. "Keep awake," she whispers, "for the world is being made new." So, we light this candle for hope: Christ with us. (Adapted from Advent Wreath Liturgy IV Rev. Karen Ware Jackson 2020. Permission is granted for home and congregational use. In Eastern Synod Worship Resources for the Seasons of Advent & Christmas 2020)

Music

Light One Candle to Wait for Messiah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxNB2VwQRmc

Prayer of the Day

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Music

Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V0J9Rgsr7A

O Day of Peace

O Day of Peace that Dimly Shines arr. by Jantz A. Black from Beckenhorst Press

Readings

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14

Gospel - Matthew 24:36-44

Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal, day-to-day lives. Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because the Son of Man will come unannounced.

[Jesus said to the disciples,] "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."

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - ELW 244 - YouTube

Sermon

https://youtu.be/DsiKoGVitlsc

Prayers of Intercession

As we prepare for the fullness of Christ's presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.

A brief silence.

God of hope, in this Advent of war and famine, we pray for all those facing conflict, despair, displacement and loneliness. May they find comfort and joy. God of hope, hear our prayer. (CLWR "An Advent Prayer for a World in Need")

God of all, your children everywhere cry out for mercy. Awaken the global church to the urgent needs of our time. Break down barriers of culture and custom and unite people of all faiths in your redemptive and healing work. Guide national churches and congregations in transition or conflict. Give wisdom to our leaders, both lay and ordained. God of hope, hear our prayer.

God of wonder, the earth's beauty and abundance is your gift. Teach us your ways of sharing resources and caring for life. Guard fragile habitats, preserve the wild places, and protect endangered plants and animals. God of hope, hear our prayer.

God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Israel and Hamas, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Ukraine and Russia, Sudan, Nigeria, and all places where violence and war exist between and inside nations. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.* God of hope, hear our prayer. *(Adapted from Archbishop Justin Welby. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell Prayer for Ukraine | The Archbishop of York)

God of lovingkindness, you desire fulness of life for everyone. Fill those who hunger. Comfort the grieving and attend to those near death. Bring help and hope to any who are sick or needing your care especially: the families of all murdered and missing Indigenous persons; the more than 218 homeless here in the Comox Valley; the more than 600 homeless in Nanaimo; and others whom we name in our heart; (brief silence). God of hope, hear our prayer.

God of community, your living, loving Presence is always with us. Keep us alert to unexpected opportunities for mission. God of hope, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of promise, your goodness is everlasting. We give thanks for the lives of the faithful who now rest in you. We trust that you will bring us into the company of all the saints with rejoicing. God of hope, hear our prayer.

God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.