First Sunday of Advent

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 1, 2019

Readings:
Lesson: Isaiah 4:2-6
Psalm: 24
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

ADORATION
Almighty God, the earth is Yours, and all creatures that dwell therein. Your entire creation is founded upon the calm seas of Your eternal will, and is made firm in the flowing rivers of Your knowledge. Only those who act with clean hands and love with pure hearts can ascend into the fullness of Your salvation. And yet You choose to descend to all of us equally, showing no impartiality, in order to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, that we may all receive Your blessing. You are the King of glory to whom the everlasting doors open up, so that heaven and earth may be joined forever. You lift up my head and open the doors of my heart, that You may come in and dwell with me.

CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, You promise that the coming of Your beautiful and glorious Branch brings holiness and life to Your people. I confess my need for that holy way of living that only You can offer. I need You to wash away the filth of the emotions and passions that are born from my heart, and the evil thoughts which assault and hurt my mind. I am in need of Your Spirit of judgment to teach me Your truth and wisdom, and Your Spirit of fire to burn up all that runs counter to Your will. In this season of Advent, only the cloud of Your presence by day, and the flame of Your love by night, can lead me to the canopy of the manger, where Your Son meets me in His glorious divinity and great humility.

THANKSGIVING
Holy Spirit, I thank You for not allowing me to remain in darkness, but for making me a child of light, and a child of the day. I thank You for not letting me fall asleep to Your Presence, but that even when my eyes soft slumber take, still is my heart to You awake. I thank You for a year of sobriety, for teaching me that clarity and discernment come by being aware of the light of day. You arm me with faith, secure me with hope, and embrace me with love. You destine me, not for anger, but for salvation—complete healing of spirit, soul, and body, and integrity of mind and heart. And despite my imperfections, You choose to come to me, to make me Yours, that I may live with You always.

SUPPLICATION
Lord Jesus Christ, You told the parable of the ten bridesmaids to teach us always to keep watch and wait for You. I pray that I may always be ready for Your coming, for You visit me every day, moment to moment, at every hour. Do not allow the lamp of my mind to go out, but rather anoint my head with the oil of Your Spirit, so I can perceive Your coming in faith and rejoice at Your arrival. When You are delayed and I grow weary, permit me to rest in Your Presence. And whenever I stray from faithfully waiting for You, may I ask You boldly to let me into Your banquet, for You have asked me to knock, and the door will be opened, and You promise never to forsake those who seek You.

HYMN
Lift up your heads, you mighty gates!
Behold, the King of glory waits.
The King of kings is drawing near.
The Savior of the world is here.

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