Lessons & Carol
READINGS
#1: From An Advent Sourcebook
In the psalms of David, in the words of the prophets, in the dreams of Joseph,
Your promise is spoken, eternal god, and takes flesh at last in the womb of the Virgin.
May Emmanuel find welcome in our hearts, take flesh in our lives, and be for all peoples the welcome advent of grace.
We ask this through Him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, for ever and ever.
#2: From A Child in Winter
We are watching, listening, and waiting this Advent. Mary watches her stomach swell as the Infant grows within her. The evenings are longer and, from the shadows, we await the dawn. It is also true that God is watching this Advent. God is watching us! God waits to delight us in simple things — to share beauty and love with us. In this way, our watching is not dull. We watch and we wait, but laziness is our only excuse for boredom. God sits in wait to overwhelm us at every turn – to surprise us with god’s own great love that should astonish us with our every breath. In truth, we can never be completely still. In God’s benevolent stewardship of creation, outside us the earth spins and the solar system whirls about, carrying us at astonishing speeds through the cosmos. Within, our hearts beat and our lungs pulse with air. As you keep watch this Advent, be mindful of the Holy One within who keeps vigil over you, even listening to your heartbeat.
