Understanding Advent Liturgical Readings

UNDERSTANDING ADVENT LITURGICAL READINGS.

ADVENT WREATH= SYMBOL OF ADVENT.

Do you feel you would like to read the Scripture for the day but don't quite understand the structure and then feel you are moving all over the place without an anchor?

The Scripture in Advent are carefully planned both for Sundays and Weekdays.

The Sunday themes move from Second Coming of Christ on the first Sunday of Advent, to John the Baptist preparing for the coming of Jesus on the Second and Third Sundays. On the fourth Sunday, the Gospel of Matthew or Luke announces the conception of Jesus and Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, (John the Baptist's mother).

DAYS 1-9 OF ADVENT

During the first 9 days of Advent during the week, the first reading for the Eucharistic liturgy comes from the book of the prophet Isaiah.  These readings express the compassion of God for His people and the longing of the people for messianic age. Do we have that same longing?

DAY 10 ONWARD.

After the Thursday of the second week of Advent, the gospel readings speak of John the Baptist whilst the first readings are either from Isaiah or a reading compatible with the gospel. 

From December 17-24, the readings are taken from Matthew and Luke.  These present the events that led up to the birth of Jesus. Enter into these as deeply as you can to help you keep your spiritual focus in preparation as you prepare the presents, decorations, parties and food.

OUR HOLY SEASON OF ADVENT

Let us be like our forebears and enter into the unbroken tradition of those who prayed and waited for the faithful God to bless his people with a Messiah.

Reading part of the Scripture of the day or all of it will help you journey through this holy season and help you prepare for the coming of Christ- the Word made flesh at Christmas.