Advent Week 1
Self-Reflection and Repentance
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Below, you will find a short liturgy for Advent Week 1. You may do this alone or with a few others. If you do this with others, first assign who will be the leader(s) who will read the prayers, the text under “Silence” and “Self-Reflection”, and the optional Examen/Litany. (Also, if you like to journal, get your journal out now and jot down thoughts and reflections as you go.)
Opening Prayer
Begin with this prayer:
“O merciful God, you sent your eternal Word to take on human nature in the womb of the virgin Mary. Grant that your chosen people may put off fleshly desires, to prepare their hearts for the visitation of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.”
Contemplative Music and Video
Begin your devotional time today with this video, reflecting on images and the lyrics to the Advent Hymn, “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” (If you like to journal, you might want to write down or draw some of the words or images that stand out to you. Otherwise, just listen and watch. Feel free to listen to this several times to let the words and images sink in.)
Silence
Enter into a time of silence, reflecting on the following:
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” is a traditional Advent hymn. What words from the song or images from the accompanying video stand out to you? What do these words and images convey to you about Jesus and this Season of Advent? How might they change the way you approach this season? Take a moment of silence to reflect on all you have just seen and heard.
Self-Reflection
Ponder the following:
Though the Season of Advent is a time filled with joy and wonder, it is also a season of repentance. In this season, we remember that because of the sins of the world, Jesus, our most Holy God became human, submitting himself to all the vulnerabilities of this world and eventually dying on a cross in order to bring forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration to this world. In Advent, we also look forward to the time when Jesus will return in glory to judge the world. Both this looking to the past and this looking to the future leads us to a place of self-examination and repentance (a complete turning around towards the ways of God.) It also leads to a posture of longing for God to come to make all things right, not just in the world, but in me - in my heart! “Lord, would you come and transform me!”
As you enter into this first week of Advent, take some time for self-reflection and confession, considering the ways you have fallen short and asking God for the wisdom and strength to forge some new life-giving paths.
You may do this self-reflection/confession in any way you would like, but consider going through the steps of the Examen or alternatively Praying Through the Litany of Penitence. Take about 5-15 minutes to do so. Note: for some of you, this may be a very different way of entering into the weeks leading up to Christmas and may seem like a downer. Press in! The reflection and fruit that comes from today will lead to a fullness of joy as you continue your journey through Advent.
Click here for the Examen and Litany.
Silence
After your time of self-reflection and confession, take another moment of silence to rest in God’s presence.
Closing Prayers
End with these prayers:
“O Lord, look mercifully on us, and grant that we may choose the way of peace. Rescue us from the captivity of the sins which have oppressed us, that we may attain the dwellings of the heavenly Jerusalem; through Jesus Christ. Amen.”
“Almighty God, fulfill our desire and kindle our hearts by your Spirit, that being filled with the oil of your grace, we may shine as bright lights at the coming of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”
Come back next week for the Week 2 Devotional.