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Advent 1A
December 1, 2013

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm 122

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 24:37-44

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
  • The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Advent/Waiting
    • Links to general Advent images:
      • visitation
      • Mystical/Liturgical/Enthroned Madonna
      • last judgment
      • annunciation
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Apocalyptic
    • Advent
    • Seeing/Not Seeing
    • Righteousness
    • Courage
    • Peace
• Special Day Resources: Advent
• Special Day Resources: World AIDS Day
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Advent 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Advent 1, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Text Studies, Advent 1A, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran).
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Isaiah 2:1-5
  • Psalm 122
  • Romans 13:11-14
  • Matthew 24:36-44
• Lectionary Weblogs, Discussions & Reflections:
  • Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Sermon Brainwave, Advent 1A, 2013. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2010.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, People Get Ready Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2013.
  • The Advent Door, Advent 1A, Jan Richardson, 2010. (Use of images.)
  • "The Undomesticated God," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2010.
  • "The Hope of Homecoming," John C. Holbert, "The Fear of Abandonment," Alyce McKenzie, Advent reflections at Patheos, 2010.
  • A Life-Giving Christmas, Rev. N. Neelley Hicks, United Methodist Communications: Sermon starters, practical application, individual challenge, outbound challenge, congregational response, social media, multimedia, reflection questions. (.pdf)
  • "Before and After," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. "Bringing Heaven to Earth Here and Now," guest essay by Joan Roughgarden, 2007.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • Advent Reflections, Carol Howard Merritt, The Beatitudes Blog, 2010.
  • "Hilarious Peace," RMC Morley, a garden path, 2010.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2010. Sermon by Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti, with PowerPoint.
  • Stewards of Advent: Wake, Watch, and Wait! Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, The Stewardship of Life Institute, 2010.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 1A, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2010.
  • Grounded and Rooted in Love, Advent 1A, Laura and Matt Norvell, 2010.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Advent 1A, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 1A, 2004. (Episcopal Lectionary) Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • "Sweeping House in the Unexpected Hour," Mark Harris, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
  • "Advent's Call to Isaiah and Dr. King," Nan Peete, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
  • The Christian Century:
    • "Wake-Up Call," Peter W. Marty, 2004.
    • "Live Into Hope," Ruth A. Meyers, 2001.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "Light the First Candle," Walter Brueggemann, "'God's Reign Cracks into Our World" 2010.
    • "Hunger and War," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," 2007.
    • "Wake Up!" by Michaela Bruzzese, 2001.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • "Why Advent Is the H1rdest of Times for Faithful Christians," Catherine A. Caimano, Duke Divinity School's Faith & Leadership, 2010.
  • "Closer Than You Think," the Rev. Dr. Stephen Montgomery, Day 1, 2010.
  • Sermons that Work, Advent 1A, the Rev. Dr. Amy Richter, ECUSA, 2010.
  • "Waiting," Dr. P.C. Enniss, Day 1, 2007.
  • "The Waiting Place," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2004.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Ready and Waiting," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2010.
  • "Peace," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
  • "Snapshots from Home," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Monasticism Old and New," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2010. (Romans 13:8-14)
  • "The Church Building as Sacramental Sign," Psalm 122, study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Cities and Towns," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Advent A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• The Text This Week's Advent Resources Page.
• Advent Candle Liturgies
• Hanging of the Greens Liturgies
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 1A): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Worship Resources, November, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
  • Gathering, Advent 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
  • A Life-Giving Christmas, Rev. N. Neelley Hicks, United Methodist Communications: Sermon starters, practical application, individual challenge, outbound challenge, congregational response, social media, multimedia, reflection questions. (.pdf)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Why Are We Waiting/Walking in the Light," Advent 1A, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 1A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Advent 1A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 1A, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 1, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 1A, 2010. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 1A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2010.
  • Liturgy for Advent, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Advent to the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Advent 1, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 1, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Prayers of the People, Year A - Advent 1. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • The Billabong, Advent 1, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Advent 1A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditations for Home and Church, 2010, Dean McIntyre, UMC GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 28 November, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Call to Worship, November 28, 2010, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
  • Confession RCL, Advent 1A, 2010, Bill Wessner.
  • Prayers for Advent 1: Isaiah 2, Matthew 24, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2010.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
  • Prayers of the People, Advent 1A, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Prayers of the People, RMC Morley, a garden path, 2010.
  • Awaken Me, Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2010.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Advent 1A, UMC GBOD.
  • Offertory Prayers, Advent 1A, UMC GBOD.
  • "Sunday Prayer, Advent 1A, Sixteen Days of Prayer to End Domestic Violence," RevGalBlogPals, 2010.
• Graphics and Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Advent 1a. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Advent 1, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 24:36-44, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Advent 1 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Why Are We Waiting/Walking in the Light," Advent 1A, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Jacob's Well Advent Films and mp3 sermons.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • "Peace," faith element discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 1, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
• Hymns & Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Advent Hymns, some set to traditional Christmas melodies.
    • "Here's a Promise We Can Count On!," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: W ZLOBIE LEZY (4.4.7.4.4.7.4.4.4.4.7) ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"), The Presbyterian Outlook magazine.
    • "There is a Mighty Question," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: ANGEL'S STORY 7.6.7.6 D ("O Jesus, I Have Promised") Church World Service.
    • ?God, You Alone Know What You've Planned,? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: CAROL 8.6.8.6 D (?It Came Upon the Midnight Clear?), The Presbyterian Outlook magazine.
    • ?Another Son Is Killed,? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise"), Hungry Hearts newsletter of the PCUSA Office on Spiritual Formation.
    • "Will You Heed the Signs of Advent?" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 24:36-44. TUNE: "Rathbun," by Ithamar Conkey (1849). New Hymns for the Lectionary.
    • "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 1A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Peace Be with You," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 122 set to Bradbury (87 87 D) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 1A, 2010, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 1A, UMC GBOD, 2010.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 1A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
    • Gathering, Advent 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
    • Starters for Sunday, 28 November, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
    • Together to Celebrate, Advent 1A, 2010, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," November 28, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2010. Connections: Isaiah 2:1-5 and A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope by Michael Foreman, Romans 13:11-14 and This Little Light of Mine by E.B. Lewis, Matthew 24:36-44 and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie DePaola.
  • Worshiping with Children, Advent 1A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Ordinary 25, Carolyn C. Brown, 2010.
  • Hope as a Promise, Anna Shirey, Anna's Hosannas, Children's Lesson for Advent 1A, 2010.
  • Gathering, Advent 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
  • "Preparing for Christ's Coming," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • Ideas and Talks for Advent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Advent 1. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.