Advent Readings and Lightings, Part 2, by Dr. Michael A. Milton
December 7, 2012
Pastoral Preparations for the Coming Season First Sunday of Advent Let us pray: “Lord as we look to the birth of Jesus, grant that the light of your love for us will help us to become lights in the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for the joy and gladness of your coming, for Jesus is our hope. Amen.” Hymns for the First Sunday in Advent: Second Sunday of Advent Let us pray: “Gracious God, Grant that we may find peace as we prepare for our Lord’s birth. May divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved. May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives, and then give to us courage to follow them. Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.” Hymns for the Second Sunday in Advent:
by Dr. Michael A. Milton
Chancellor & CEO of RTS
Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath. This is the candle of HOPE. With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we receive God’s light as we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2).
• Come, O Come, Emmanuel (9th century Latin; translation by John M. Neale
[v. 1 & 2] and Henry Sloane Coffin [v. 3 & 4] [public domain])
• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Charles Wesley [public domain])
• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Henry W. Longfellow [public domain])
Today we relight the candle of HOPE. Now we light the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From the prophet Isaiah: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). From the Gospel of John: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
• It Came upon the Midnight Clear (Edmund H. Sears [public domain])
• Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Charles Wesley [public domain])
• While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Nahum Tate [public domain])
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