Week One: BEHOLD
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3
In the first week of Advent, we remember that God not only acts for our salvation, He announces what He is doing beforehand. The word “Behold!” stops us. It makes us want to look carefully, and listen attentively. There is more to see and hear than what meets the passerby.
Responsive Greeting:
Reader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.
R: As we enter this season of Advent, may the love of God the Father, and the grace of Jesus the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be and abide with us all.
P: Amen.
Hymn:
Oh, come, Desire of nations bind
In one the hearts of all mankind
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease
And be yourself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!
Readings:
Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you the prophet Elijah
Luke 1:5-17
An angel appears to the priest Zechariah
Isaiah 40:3-5
In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord
John 1:19-23
John fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy
Children Pray:
King of Glory, you are God. You are powerful.
You rule the entire world.
We praise you because you are so great.
But you became a baby. You were tiny and weak.
You were just like us.
We praise you because you came,
And we look forward to when you will come again.
In your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
Does our world try to see God at work? Why or why not?
How does God help the Church to “behold,” to see what He is doing?
Adults and older children may offer prayer
Benediction:
Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
Even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
In him will the Gentiles hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.