Advent Readings for 2020
November 29, 2020
Today is the first Sunday in the season of Advent.
It’s a new beginning in the church year.
The word “advent” means “arrival.” This is the season where we wait in hope for the arrival of Jesus. During Advent, we focus on the moment when God came near in human form.
In this season of inward preparation, we anticipate with hope all of the ways God still comes near.
There is no limit to God’s drawing close—
God will approach you in the calm or in the storm,
In the quiet moment or in the chaotic terror,
In the grasping for more or in the settling down.
Today we light the first candle of Advent: the candle of hope.
December 6, 2020
Today is the second week in the season of Advent.
This is a season focused on waiting.
The word “advent” means “approach.” This is the season where we wait for the approach of God’s love in human form. This is where we witness the divine located in human flesh.
In this season of waiting, divine love approaches us in the form of a baby. Here we are reminded of love’s humble nature, soft embrace, and tender patience. God’s love is strong enough to be vulnerable and courageous enough to come close to you.
Today we light the second candle of Advent: the candle of love.
December 13, 2020
Today marks the third week in the season Advent.
This is a season focused on preparation.
The word “advent” means “coming.” This is the season where we prepare with expectant joy to encounter God’s coming to the world. This is where we centre on simple contentment.
In Advent, we find joy in giving, in human solidarity, and in the light that dawns in dark places. This season is pregnant with joy just below the surface. Together we trust in the anticipation of God’s quiet arrival.
No matter where you are, joy is on the horizon, the day of God’s coming is near.
Today we light the third candle of Advent: the candle of joy.
December 20, 2020
Today marks the fourth week in the season of Advent. This is a season that holds space in the dark.
All season long, we have been waiting for the ways Jesus comes into our midst. We have been waiting for God’s hope, love, and joy to arrive.
Today we focus our hearts on a holy announcement—the declaration that a new revolution is dawning. A revolution centred on peace.
Peace that subverts corrupt power structures.
Peace that preferences the least popular.
Peace that comes in the night with a song to you.
Today we light the fourth candle of Advent: the candle of peace.
December 24, 2020
Christmas Eve is the long night when all who listen await the child’s cry.
We watch and we pray.
We know our God will come.
As we light the final candle of the Advent season—the Christ Candle,
We trust that hope, love, joy and peace
Are born to us again this year.
We need it more than ever.
Like this small and momentous light,
We notice that a flicker can change the whole room.
The cold gives way to warmth,
Conflict gives way to calm,
The darkness gives way to the light.
We share the small flame of love with one another and with the world God loves.
In us and around us, Christ of all, be light.
