First Sunday of Advent, Year C
The first of the four Sundays before Christmas Revised Common Lectionary, Year C, the year of Luke Blue
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The Gospel: Luke 21:25–36
Jesus speaks of signs in the sun, moon, and stars and the Son of Man coming in a cloud, points to the budding fig tree, and urges watchfulness.
Luke 21:25-36
Most churches stand for the Gospel, and sing or say a short response before and after it.
The passage
25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” 29 He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near. 32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. 34 “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Jesus Speaks About the End, scene by scene on Free Scripture
The other readings
In the order they are read on Sunday, before the Gospel.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Through Jeremiah, the LORD promises to raise up a righteous Branch from David’s line who will bring justice, so that Judah and Jerusalem live safely.
Read it here
14 “Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. 15 “In those days and at that time, I will cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David. He will execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. This is the name by which she will be called: the LORD our righteousness.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
Psalm 25:1-10
A prayer of trust, asking the LORD to teach his ways, remember his mercy, and forget past sins; his paths are love and truth.
Read it here
1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 My God, I have trusted in you. Don’t let me be shamed. Don’t let my enemies triumph over me. 3 Yes, no one who waits for you will be shamed. They will be shamed who deal treacherously without cause. 4 Show me your ways, the LORD. Teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long. 6 O LORD, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times. 7 Don’t remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness’ sake, the LORD. 8 Good and upright is the LORD, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way. 9 He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Paul thanks God for the joy the Thessalonians bring, prays to see them again, and asks the Lord to make their love for everyone overflow.
Read it here
9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
A question to carry into the week
What is one thing Jesus says or does in this Gospel that you want to remember this week?
For your newsletter or sermon notes
These readings are told as stories on our sister site, Free Scripture, one scene at a time in plain words. The lines below are ready to paste. The next eight Sundays, and every story.
First Sunday of Advent · Revised Common Lectionary, Year C · the same Sunday at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Scripture text: World English Bible, public domain.
Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org Used by permission.