You Must Be a Subscriber to View This Page
First Sunday of Advent • Year A
November 30, 2025
Historical Collect
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come, that by your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by your mighty deliverance; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th Century)
Thematic Collect
Gracious God, you are the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and end. May your Spirit kindle in us a spirit of readiness, that we might at all times and in all places be prepared for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The Common Thread
The season is Advent so we should not be surprised that metaphors of coming and going and traveling are used. Isaiah exhorts, let us go up to the house of the Lord, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. The psalmist is happy whenever anyone says, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Paul calls us to walk properly as those who are clothed in Christ which is to be in the armor of light. In the optional Gospel Reading (Matt 21:1–11), it is the blessed Jesus who is the one coming—coming in the name of the Lord. In the primary Gospel Reading, we are not so much coming or going as being still, ready for the sudden and final appearing of the Lord, that happens at a time we cannot anticipate.
First Reading • Isaiah 2:1–5
The prophecy says that one day all nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord. It is difficult to not imagine Jesus on the mountain with his disciples gathered around to hear his teaching. The day is coming when not just a few disciples will gather on the that holy mountain. In that day, all nations will bow before him and walk in his light. In that day, he will judge the nations, and there will be peace on earth. Advent reminds us to call that day today. Come, let us walk in the light that is our Lord, and let us do so today.
Psalm • Psalm 122:1–9
Advent makes us all into pilgrims. The journey begins today. In the busy days before Christmas, it is time to put away worldly concerns and focus on the coming Savior. This is a time for joy instead of the stress that commonly accompanies the season in the West. What a blessed Christmas it will be when our chief concern is, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
Second Reading • Romans 13:8–10, 11–14
It is time to walk in the light. Night is nearly over, and we must prepare to wake up and leave the darkness. There is no way to do so but to dress in the bright armor that is Jesus. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ is to be ready to walk in the shining light of day. Advent is a time for us to remember to get dressed up in the Lord, to conscientiously clothe ourselves with the Light of the World.
Gospel • Matthew 24:36–44
Who knows (Mark 13:32) when the end (Matt 24:13) will come and the Son of Man appear, "coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt 24:30b)? Whenever the end arrives, it will be a surprise. So, because we do not know when he will appear—because it will be at an unexpected time—we simply must be ready at all times. Advent is a time of making ready for the unexpected arrival of the Great King.
Other Advent Resources
"Looking to the Manger" (Advent Candle Readings by Rev. Kristopher Madsen)
"Will You Heed the Signs of Advent?" (Hymn text by Rev. Mark Ryman)
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
