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Celebrating Seven Weeks of Advent

Advent begins on November 10! Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Advent is a time of joyful waiting and anticipation for Jesus- God- who came into our world as a little child in Bethlehem, at a particular point of time in the past; who comes into our hearts and lives in the present; and who will come again in triumph and glory. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of this coming- how God comes in judgment and saving action; how God establishes a rule of peace; how the people of God live; how in this child, the Messiah, God brings us fullness of life and hope.
The celebration of Advent has had a long and varied history. The early church did not even celebrate Christmas until the fourth century. About this time, in Spain and Gaul, days/weeks were also set aside to prepare for that celebration- a season known as Advent. It was a time of fasting and penance looking more towards the Second Coming of Christ and judgment, rather than the birth of Jesus.
A century or so later, in Rome, the preparation was more festive, looking forward with joy and hope to the birth of Jesus. Eventually, the themes of joy and penance were combined and today we observe Advent as a period of spiritual preparation and anticipation of the coming of Jesus.
In the Western church, Advent has usually been celebrated for four weeks although it varied in length from a few days up to seven weeks, depending on locale.
This year UDLC will celebrate for 7 weeks.
This gives us more time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’s birth. What does it mean that God comes in judgment and saving action? How does God establish a rule of peace? How are we, the people of God, to live, here and now? How does God bring us fullness of life and hope through this child, the Messiah?
As you listen to the scripture readings, sing the hymns and pray the prayers this Advent, open your hearts and minds to God’s presence. Reflect on what it means for you that God has taken on human form for our sakes. How does this make a difference in your life? What difference will it make in the world around you?

ADVENT 1: Sapientia - O Come, thou Wisdom, from on high

This week we sing, O come, thou Wisdom from on high… show us the path of knowledge and teach us to follow in her ways. Jesus is the wisdom that comes from God. He invites us to walk with him, learning what it means to be a disciple and to participate in fullness of life and love. As you listen to the scripture readings, the hymns and prayers this week, open your heart & mind to God’s wisdom – allow Jesus to be a light to your path.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)

ADVENT 2: Adonai- O Come, thou Lord of Might

This week we sing, O come, o come thou Lord of might…who in ancient times didst give the law, in cloud, and majesty, and awe. Adonai is the sacred title for God which we translate as “Lord”. This title for Jesus connects us with our Hebrew ancestors who experienced the power and might of God as God brought them out of Egypt into the promised land. God guided and provided for them and gave them the Law, so they might continue to be formed into a people and have fullness of life. Jesus is God, come in human form, to call us back into relationship, to renew and enliven the covenant. When have you experienced the power and might of God in your life?

For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our ruler;
the Lord is our king; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)

A Note about O Antiphons

The “O Antiphons” are a set of medieval refrains originally used before and after the singing of The Magnificat. They were in use in the eighth century. Each invokes the Messiah [Christ] under a different title derived from the Hebrew Scriptures. This title is then amplified and followed by an appeal to come and save us in a particular way. Around the twelfth century, they were collected into a Latin verse hymn, which was later translated by John Mason Neale, finally becoming the beloved Advent hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” (ELW Hymn 257).

We will be using one title each week during Advent to highlight a different aspect of who Christ is. We invite you to reflect on what each title means and how that characteristic/aspect might help you grow in faith, hope and love.

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8:30 a.m. - Contemporary Worship In-Person and Livestreamed
10:30 a.m. - Traditional Worship In-Person and Livestreamed

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411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler PA 19002
info@udlc.org
(215)-646-7999

An open and affirmin g congregation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America