First Sunday of Advent. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord." Ps 121

The season of Advent is a time for us to wake ourselves up and begin our preparations for the coming of Christ.

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Romans 13:11-12

Readings

Is 2:1-5: The Lord will gather all nations in eternal peace in the kingdom of God.

Ps 121:1-2, 4-5, 6-9; R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Rom13:11-14: The time has come, our salvation is near.

Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!

Mt 24: 37-44:  Stay awake, you must be ready.

 

Homily studio podcast

Listen to the Homily Studio for a conversation on this weeks’ scripture readings.

The podcast is available at this link.

 

 Suggestions for Prayers of Intercession

We pray for:

Increased Attentiveness: that the Spirit will shift us from our complacency and give us the grace to focus on the signs of the times, so that we live more fully each day.

E te Ariki, Whakarongo mai rā kia a mātou.

Peace: That the gift of God’s peace will enter our hearts so that resources for war are turned into tools for development and healing.

E te Ariki, Whakarongo mai rā kia a mātou. 

Advent journey: that this Advent will be, for the Church, a faith-filled journey toward deeper union with Christ, the prince of light and peace, and through Christ, with each other.

E te Ariki, Whakarongo mai rā kia a mātou. 

 

The Jesse Tree

The Jesse tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus’ birth. It tells the story of Christ's ancestry through symbols. The Jesse tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of King David. It's the story of salvation history from Creation to Christ. It tells of People, Prophesies and Events. It is the story of the Faithfulness of God.

Create a Jesse tree in the parish, classroom or home. There are several websites which help you create a Jesse tree. Loyola Press have a useful website which shows the way each week adds to the story. Link HERE

You may wish to participate in a Penitential Rite each Sunday Mass. Invite some families to become involved.

Set up a simple tree and create symbols representing the People, Prophesies and Events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

The following link provides an outline for a Penitential Rite for the four weeks of Advent. HERE