1st Sunday of Advent, 2019 – WAKE UP!
Almighty God, Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on that last day, when He shall came again in His Glorious Majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through Him who is alive and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Images and symbolism that are used in the weeks ahead are taken from Archbishop Sentamu’s fabulous book “Wake up to Advent!” and are founded in the above prayer, images of someone awaking from sleep and getting ready for the life of the day. Having stirred from our slumber we are now ready to wake up, clean up, feed up and grow up! Each easy enough to remember as we wake each morning, and in these reflections, we shall look at how Jesus himself encouraged his disciples and by dint us to wake up, clean up, feed up and grow up. If you enjoy the reflections, and we hope you do, why not buy the book and enjoy a delightful daily reading.
Advent is a gift! One to unwrap carefully and humbly. Each week we can discover a new layer of Gods revelation to us. So, let us begin with Pauls stirring words found in Romans and Wake up this advent!
Scripture:
Romans 13:11-14
“Always remember that this is the hour of crisis; it is high time for you to wake out of sleep, for deliverance is nearer to us now than it was when first we believed. It is far on in the night: day is near. Let us therefor throw off the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light…let Christ Jesus himself be the armour you wear; give your unspiritual nature no opportunity to satisfy its desires.”
Reflection:
This Advent, as we reflect on the coming of our Lord, let us look for a new way of living that will help us welcome the day, and make the best use of it. Let us think about Advent alternatives to the pleasures and attractions of the present age, which may lead us back into darkness.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, may we remember this Advent that we are children of the Light, may we wake up each day ready to take up the task of the day. And may our sleep be the restoring and health-giving rest that comes from tasks well done. Amen