Lectionary Reading Pt 2 Advent 1
Reading. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Grace is not a thing, it is essentially the way that God forms a personal relationship with humanity. In this relationship God makes the first approach and comes to us with kindness and concern. It is grace that gives each one of us confidence to approach God and also trust God. When Paul announces, “grace to you“, he is recognising the presence of God on and in the believers. With the grace of God comes the Spirit of God: with the Spirit come the gifts of God. Therefore the congregation is equipped to be in active service in the name of the Lord. Through the grace of God the efficacy of the gospel is completed in every believer. Paul ends this opening statement by assuring the hearers that God is faithful and so what God has promised will be fulfilled. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the foundation on which they are building: God’s grace has equipped them in every way so that they can face whatever the future holds with godly confidence. Paul has much on his mind for things are not going well for the congregation and he is going to address the divisions and failures, not so much with criticism but by reminding them of their status is Christ. Paul is anxious for the congregation to flourish and grow. They will do this best by holding onto the understanding that God’s grace has empowered them.
As we begin our Advent preparation to welcome again the birth of our Saviour, it is always an opportunity for new beginnings. We do this best by reclaiming what Jesus has done for us and remembering how he has gifted us to serve him. Have we made mistakes, almost certainly, but in Jesus all is forgiven, so like Paul as we celebrate this special season let us also do what he has recommended; “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NRSV)
Prayer. Holy God, your mercies are new every morning and through each evening, you watch over us for you never slumber nor sleep. Recognising afresh your loving presence we bow before you and give you all thanks and praise. In you alone can we place complete trust and in turbulent times you are our rock and our salvation. Teach us to be at peace in your presence that we may be strengthened for the new day that dawns, and walk through the day with confident hope: and through your grace we may fulfil those things that will honour your name and so serve you with all our heart and soul and strength. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reading. Mark 13:24-37. This passage from Mark is part of the apocalyptic writing within his gospel. Scholars have questioned how authentically it reflects Jesus’ teaching but that questioning needs to be considered in the light of some of Jesus other parables like the wedding feast and the wise and foolish bridesmaids. These too hint at a coming judgement. Mark’s apocalyptic writing still has an important point to make. In our current interpretation we think of the Apocalypse as a time of disaster but for the writers of Marks vintage an apocalypse was used with the correct meaning as an unveiling. Apocalyptic language was revealing what was to happen in the future but it used coded language so that only those who understood would discern how the end would transpire. Therefore, Mark is saying there will be a time of sorrow when every system in the world will be upset and nothing will seem quite the same. Normality will be a thing of the past. In that chaotic time God will begin to gather his chosen people together and so the fruit of the end will soon be visible. The one thing that will remain will be the teaching of Jesus; that his salvation and his lordship will remain. This set of teaching points was delivered by Jesus to his disciples from the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:3) so for them it had great significance which draws our attention to the lesson of the “doorkeeper”. After the sorrows and the upheaval even Jesus’ closest disciples are charged with being alert and diligent in keeping watch for the Lord’s return. If these closest associates are being warned to be ready how much more does this message apply to us. Advent announces the infant Jesus’ coming and it also announces that one day Jesus will return as Lord and King.
Prayer. Gracious Lord, Our Saviour came to be a light shining in the darkness. Guided by that light; may we walk in the ways of justice, peace and truth: Looking always to you with grateful hearts, remembering all that you have accomplished, not only for our sakes but for the sake of the whole creation. As we approach the season of Christmas we pray for people everywhere, that they may enjoy a freedom to celebrate in honour of your birth among us. May this season bring people in all circumstances a little closer to the truth that set us free. Pour out upon our world your healing and your mercy that all of us together may be renewed in body, mind and spirit; to the honour and glory of your name. Amen
Collect. Saviour God, your purposes are sure; help us to keep awake and trust the future to you, that we may be constant in faith and free from fear; in Christ’s name. Amen.
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