The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, December 3, 2023—First Sunday of Advent

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
with Commentaries
Sunday, December 3, 2023
First Sunday of Advent

Hope and Watchfulness: Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming Savior

Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19;

1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Advent 1)

Introduction

On this First Sunday of Advent, we enter a season of anticipation and preparation as we await the celebration of Christ's birth and look forward to His second coming. Our scripture readings from Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and Mark 13:24-37 serve as a poignant reminder of the hope we have in God's promises and the importance of being watchful and prepared for Christ's return. In Isaiah, we hear a plea for God to make His presence known, while the psalmist asks for God's restoration. In 1 Corinthians, we are reminded of the grace we have received and the faithfulness of God, and Mark's Gospel calls us to be on watch for Christ's return. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the state of our hearts and lives as we prepare to welcome the Savior anew this Advent season.

Advent Hope

Opening Prayer
(Isaiah 64, Mark 13)

Almighty and ever-loving God, as we gather on this First Sunday of Advent, we open our hearts to you in prayer, yearning for your presence and your peace.

In the words of the prophet Isaiah, we cry out, "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!" We long for your arrival, Lord, knowing that you have the power to transform our world and our lives.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus warns us to "be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." As we light the first candle on our Advent wreath, let it be a reminder for us to watch and prepare for your coming.

Help us, Lord, to open our eyes to the signs of your presence in our midst. Give us the courage and the strength to respond to your call, and to live as your faithful servants, always ready to welcome you into our hearts.

We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Confession
(Isaiah 64, Mark 13)

Gracious and Almighty God, we come before You, humbled and aware of our shortcomings. We confess that, like the people of Israel in Isaiah 64, we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. We have not lived according to Your ways, and we have not always sought Your face. We confess that we have been unfaithful, and that our righteous deeds are like filthy rags in Your sight.

Lord, we also recognize the words of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in Mark 13. He warned us to be watchful and prepared, for we do not know when the end will come. We confess that we have often been complacent, failing to watch and pray as we should. We have not been diligent in seeking Your kingdom, and we have allowed the cares of this world to distract us from our true purpose.

But we know that You are a God of mercy and grace. We know that You are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And so we ask for Your forgiveness, Lord. We ask that You would cleanse us from our sin and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to be watchful and faithful, living each day in the light of Your love and grace.

We pray all these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Isaiah 64, 1 Corinthians 1)

In Isaiah, we hear the cry of the people, acknowledging that all of us have sinned and become like unclean, with our righteous acts fading like a leaf in the wind. The prophet mourns, saying, "No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins." (Isaiah 64:7). Yet even in this lament, there is a spark of hope.

For the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians reminds those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, he says, "…you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge… Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:5-9).

So, hear and believe this good news: In our moments of doubt, when we feel separated because of our sins, God is faithful. Through Jesus Christ, our sins are pardoned. By God's grace, we are restored, enriched, and equipped. Therefore, with boldness and confidence, receive the assurance of your pardon in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading

Isaiah 64:1-9
A Plea for Divine Intervention

and a Reflection on Human Sinfulness

Isaiah 64:1-9 captures the heartfelt plea of the Israelites for God to intervene in their lives and display His mighty power as He did in the past. It reflects a profound longing for God’s presence and a deep awareness of human sinfulness and its consequences. The passage serves as a powerful reminder of the need for humility, repentance, and reliance on God’s mercy.

64 1     Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
        that the mountains would tremble before you!
2     As when fire sets twigs ablaze
        and causes water to boil,
    come down to make your name known to your enemies
        and cause the nations to quake before you!
3     For when you did awesome things that we did not expect,
        you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
4     Since ancient times no one has heard,
        no ear has perceived,
     no eye has seen any God besides you,
        who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
5     You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
        who remember your ways.
     But when we continued to sin against them,
        you were angry.
        How then can we be saved?
6     All of us have become like one who is unclean,
        and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
     we all shrivel up like a leaf,
        and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
7     No one calls on your name
        or strives to lay hold of you;
     for you have hidden your face from us
        and have given us over to our sins.

8     Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
        We are the clay, you are the potter;
        we are all the work of your hand.
9     Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord;
        do not remember our sins forever.
     Oh, look on us, we pray,
        for we are all your people.

Commentary

Verses 1-2 express the desire for God to come down from heaven and reveal His power in a way that is unmistakable, comparable to a fire that causes the mountains to tremble. This is a metaphorical representation of the transformative power of God's presence and the profound impact it has on humanity and the natural world.

In verses 3-5, the text highlights the extraordinary deeds that God has done in the past for those who wait for Him. It also emphasizes the importance of living righteously and following God's ways, as those who do so are blessed with His presence and favor.

However, verses 6-7 acknowledge the reality of human sinfulness and the fact that all people fall short of God's glory. This sinfulness has separated humanity from God and resulted in a state of uncleanness, where even the most righteous acts are compared to filthy rags.

Verse 8, however, brings a shift in tone, as the text recognizes that despite human sinfulness, God is still the creator and the potter who has the power to shape and mold us according to His will.

Finally, verse 9 serves as a plea for mercy, as the Israelites ask God not to remember their sins forever but to look upon them with compassion, acknowledging their status as His people.

In summary, Isaiah 64:1-9 reflects the deep yearning for God’s intervention, the acknowledgment of human sinfulness, and the reliance on God’s mercy and compassion. It serves as a timeless reminder of the need to seek God's face, repent of our sins, and rest in His loving kindness and grace.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Restore Us, O God

Psalm 80 is a communal lament where the psalmist cries out to God on behalf of the people, seeking His favor and restoration. The psalmist uses the imagery of a vineyard to describe the plight of the people of Israel, who have been brought out of Egypt and planted in a promised land, only to find themselves in a place of suffering and despair. This psalm is a powerful reminder of the people's dependence on God's mercy and the hope that He will restore them to a place of blessing and favor.

1     Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
        you who lead Joseph like a flock. *
     You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
        shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

     Awaken your might; *
        come and save us.

3     Restore us, O God; *
        make your face shine on us,
            that we may be saved.

4     How long, Lord God Almighty, *
        will your anger smolder
            against the prayers of your people?

5     You have fed them with the bread of tears; *
        you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

6     You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, *
        and our enemies mock us.

7     Restore us, God Almighty; *
        make your face shine on us,
            that we may be saved.

17    Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, *
        the son of man you have raised up for yourself.

18    Then we will not turn away from you; *
        revive us, and we will call on your name.

19    Restore us, Lord God Almighty; *
        make your face shine on us,
            that we may be saved.

O God, our Shepherd and Guide, we come before You today as Your people, seeking Your face and Your favor. We confess that we have often strayed from Your paths and have found ourselves in places of despair and suffering. We ask that You would hear our cries and restore us, O Lord. Let Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. May we once again be like the vine that You planted, flourishing and bearing fruit for Your glory. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Called into Fellowship: God's Unfailing Faithfulness

In a world where relationships are often fleeting and promises can be broken, the Apostle Paul offers a heartwarming reminder to the Corinthians about God's unfailing faithfulness. The opening verses of his first letter reveal the depth of God's grace and love towards His people and emphasize the shared fellowship believers have in Christ. As we delve into these verses, we are encouraged to reflect on the unwavering nature of God's promises and His continuous work within us until the day of Jesus Christ.

1 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Commentary

1. Grace and Peace: Paul's greeting, as is typical of many of his letters, starts with a blessing of grace and peace. Grace, the undeserved favor from God, and peace, the inner serenity and harmony with God, are gifts believers receive through Jesus Christ. They lay the foundation for our relationship with God and with each other.

2. Thankfulness for Spiritual Enrichment: Paul's gratitude for the Corinthians is not based on their achievements, but on God's grace that has been given to them. In Christ, they have been enriched in every way, not just materially, but spiritually. Their gifts of speech and knowledge are testimonies of God's work among them. It’s a call for all believers to recognize and give thanks for the ways God has enriched us for His purpose.

3. Anticipation for Christ's Revelation: While the Corinthians possessed many spiritual gifts, Paul reminds them of the ultimate gift they await: the revelation of Jesus Christ. As believers, our spiritual journey is characterized by a deep longing and eager anticipation for the return of our Savior.

4. God's Preservation and Faithfulness: Despite the challenges and imperfections the Corinthians faced, Paul assures them of God’s commitment to keep them firm to the end. The journey of faith is not based on our strength but on God's faithfulness. He will see us through our struggles, refining us, so that we stand blameless when Christ returns.

5. Called into Fellowship: Perhaps the most poignant reminder is that God has called believers into a deep and intimate fellowship with His Son. Our faith is not just a list of doctrines or moral codes but a living relationship with Jesus. It's this fellowship that sustains, enriches, and gives purpose to our lives.

In conclusion, these verses paint a beautiful picture of God's active involvement in the life of a believer. From the grace and peace we receive to the enrichment of spiritual gifts, the promise of Christ's return, and the assurance of God's faithfulness, we are reminded of the depth of our calling into fellowship with Jesus. As we reflect on these truths, let them serve as an encouragement to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God's promises never fail.

Today’s Gospel Reading

Mark 13:24-37
Vigilance in Uncertain Times

In Mark 13:24-37, Jesus provides a vivid portrayal of the end times and the urgency for his followers to remain alert and watchful. Through this passage, Jesus combines the imagery of cosmic disturbances with the promise of His coming and underscores the importance of readiness for His return. While the specific timing remains uncertain, the call to vigilant preparedness is clear.

13 24 “But in those days, following that distress,

    “‘the sun will be darkened,
        and the moon will not give its light;
25     the stars will fall from the sky,
        and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Commentary

Verses 24-27 — The Coming of the Son of Man: In these verses, Jesus uses apocalyptic language common to Jewish writings of the period to describe dramatic cosmic events. The darkening of the sun and the moon and the falling of stars may symbolize upheavals in the worldly and spiritual realms. Yet, amidst the chaos, the Son of Man—Jesus himself—will come with great power and glory. The gathering of the elect from the four corners of the earth reaffirms the universal reach of God's salvation.

Verses 28-31 — The Lesson of the Fig Tree: Jesus employs the parable of the fig tree as a lesson in discernment. Just as one can infer the approach of summer from the budding of the fig tree, so should believers recognize the signs of the end times. While the exact timing is not given, the inevitability is assured. Verse 31 assures the enduring truth of Jesus' words, emphasizing their eternal significance despite changing circumstances.

Verses 32-37 — The Day and Hour Unknown: These verses emphasize the uncertainty of the timing of the end times. Even Jesus, in his earthly ministry, did not claim knowledge of this specific timing. This unpredictability reinforces the central message of the passage: the importance of perpetual vigilance. The analogy of the man going on a journey and leaving his servants in charge underscores the responsibility entrusted to believers. They must be ready at all times, for they do not know when their Master will return.

In conclusion, Mark 13:24-37 serves as a stark reminder for believers to be constantly watchful and prepared, irrespective of the uncertainties of the world. Amidst the vivid apocalyptic descriptions, the core message is clear: stay vigilant, for the coming of the Son of Man is inevitable, and believers must be ready to meet Him.

As we reflect on this passage, let us consider how we are living in anticipation of Christ's return. Are we watchful and ready, living out our faith in a way that honors and pleases Him? Or have we become complacent, losing sight of the hope and promise of His coming? May we be encouraged and challenged to live with a sense of urgency and anticipation, always ready for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Communion Prayer
(Philippians 2)

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the life and love of Christ, that we may be the body of Christ for the world, redeemed and unified by Christ’s love and grace. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ, one with one another, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at your heavenly banquet. Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forevermore. Amen.

Benediction
(1 Corinthians 1)

As we light the first candle of Advent, let us remember the grace given to us in Christ Jesus, that in him we were enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—just as the testimony about Christ was confirmed in us. As we wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, may He keep you firm to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Go in peace, filled with the hope and anticipation of this Advent season.

An Advent Prayer of Hope

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, December 3, 2023
First Sunday of Advent
Hope and Watchfulness: Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming Savior
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
On this First Sunday of Advent, we enter a season of anticipation and preparation as we await the celebration of Christ's birth and look forward to His second coming. Our scripture readings today serve as a poignant reminder of the hope we have in God's promises and the importance of being watchful and prepared for Christ's return. In Isaiah, we hear a plea for God to make His presence known, while the psalmist asks for God's restoration. In 1 Corinthians, we are reminded of the grace we have received and the faithfulness of God, and Mark's Gospel calls us to be on watch for Christ's return. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on the state of our hearts and lives as we prepare to welcome the Savior anew this Advent season.