Advent Wreath Reflection Guide

Scripture

Choose from Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, or Luke 21: 34-36.

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Jeremiah 33:14-16 CEB

14 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah.15 In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.

Psalm 25:1-10 CEB Of David.

25 I offer my life to you, Lord. 2 My God, I trust you. Please don’t let me be put to shame! Don’t let my enemies rejoice over me! 3 For that matter, don’t let anyone who hopes in you be put to shame; instead, let those who are treacherous without excuse be put to shame. 4 Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth—teach it to me— because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long. 6 Lord, remember your compassion and faithful love— they are forever! 7 But don’t remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing. Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, Lord. 8 The Lord is good and does the right thing; he teaches sinners which way they should go. 9 God guides the weak to justice, teaching them his way. 10 All the Lord’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.

Luke 21:34-36 CEB

34 “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

These are lessons often read for the first Sunday of Advent. They may have been used in a worship service that you attended today. You may wish to explore the readings using different translations and having different readers. You may also choose different readings from your faith community.

Candle Lighting

Light one candle on the Advent wreath.

Prayer: One candle can chase away the darkness. May this candle shine bright this night (or day), O God, and lead us to a deep place, a holy space where we discover an incredible love, your love shining to us from a manger. Help us see, really see, how much you love us and go with us through each day.

You may light the candle each evening before the meditation or when you pray.

Prayers

Lift up any joys or concerns in a time of prayer.

One pattern of sharing encourages the person praying to say, “This is my prayer” after mentioning an intention for a person or situation. Others then may respond, “This is our prayer.”

Use this pattern or discover a pattern that works for you.

A Look Ahead

Before concluding your prayers around the Advent wreath, think about your coming week. Notice any events, meetings, or activities that you may want to hold in prayer as part of your daily reading and reflection.

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Discussion

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