Advent Devotional: 1st Sunday

A few years ago I began writing Advent devotionals for my family and friends to use. I am personally agnostic but as a child/teenager was raised in the Christian faith. I still enjoy the tradition of the Advent wreathe, and light the candles year to year. Each devotional is specific to the particular theme of the week, and includes Bible verses, prayers, and Christmas carols to sing or listen to. Depending on the specific branch of Catholicism, the theme of each week in Advent varies slightly. I made a personal and Executive decision in choosing which theme to go with for the particular week, while trying to keep it as accurate as possible. These are meant to help those along who want to do something “more” during their lighting, or who don’t have any other material to refrence from. It can be printed off and read together as a group, or done alone. I hope you enjoy.

(Advent Week 1, First Sunday)
-“The Prophet’s Candle”. Representing Hope (or promise)
-Light the first purple candle. Hold hands and do the readings.

Bible Verses:
-Isaiah 9:2
“For The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; and upon those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us, a child will be born.
-Romans 13:11-14
“It is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers 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 darkness.”

Family Prayer:
-For now is the first Sunday of Advent-a time representing Hope, and all that goes with it. The longest night is yet to come, but thereafter, the Sun returns and we are born again into the light of longer days. We have hope for the bonds we shall form as our family and friends join together in festive celebrations. We have hope that we have enough food and warmth to gaurentee our survival through the long Winter. We have hope for the eventual return of spring and the birth of new life after the long quiet slumber. We have hope for all the blessings and miracles that will come to us this Christmas.

Personal Prayer(s):
-Now is the time to pray any personal prayers you wish, for yourself, your family, your friends, your life. This can be done aloud and everyone shares their own, or silently in your hearts. One person can also lead a group prayer. It’s whatever your group/family wants to do. Prayers should be mindful of the theme of this specific Sunday of Advent.

Music:
-Sing the Carol together: O come, O come Emmanuel
-Or listen to- Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo