The First Sunday of Advent begins a four-week journey of reflection, anticipation, and preparation in the Christian liturgical calendar. The term Advent, meaning "coming" in Latin, reminds us of the dual purpose of this season: to celebrate Christ's birth and to look forward to His promised return. This Sunday’s readings and hymns, rich in vigilance, hope, and renewal themes, invite us to center our hearts on these promises.

First Sunday of Advent Readings

Each reading selected for this Sunday points us toward introspection and the hope of God’s presence. Below, we’ll explore the passages and how they guide us in religious preparation.

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7

In Isaiah, we hear a call for God’s intervention:

“You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever. Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?”

The prophet Isaiah expresses a longing for God’s presence, appealing for mercy and guidance. This passage captures a communal plea, asking for God’s return to heal and restore His people. Isaiah acknowledges human frailty:

“All our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind.”

Isaiah's message is clear: our need for divine guidance is essential, and we are invited to return to God with open hearts as we begin Advent.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

The psalm continues this theme with a heartfelt request for salvation:

“Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”

Here, the psalmist asks God to “rouse your power” and save His people. This refrain reminds us to actively seek God’s face, trusting in His mercy and renewal.

New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

St. Paul’s message to the Corinthians reflects gratitude and hope:

“I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus… He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul emphasizes God’s faithfulness, encouraging believers to stand firm as they await Christ’s return. This reading shifts our focus from past struggles to a future strengthened by God’s grace.

Gospel Reading: Mark 13:33-37

The Gospel reading calls us to stay alert, emphasizing that we do not know when the Lord will come:

“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.”

Jesus uses a parable about a master and his servants to remind us to live in a way that honors our faith and prepares us for His return. The message is simple: be vigilant and ready for Christ’s arrival, echoing the overarching theme of Advent as a season of active anticipation.

Hymns for the First Sunday of Advent

Music enhances the Advent experience, giving voice to themes of hope and grace. A beloved hymn for this Sunday, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” highlights these sentiments beautifully.

Lyrics of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

“Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.”

Written by Robert Robinson, this hymn acknowledges God's boundless grace and the gratitude we feel for it. The lines “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” reflect our human tendency to drift away from faith, while the following plea, “Here's my heart, O take and seal it,” is a sincere invitation for God to guide us back.

Celebrate Advent with St. Patrick’s Guild

As Advent begins, bring meaning to the season with thoughtful reflection and worship. At St. Patrick’s Guild, discover a wide selection of Advent and Christmas gifts designed to enrich your spiritual journey. Each item serves as a heartfelt reminder of Advent’s purpose, helping you focus your home and heart on Christ’s coming. Explore our collection at St. Patrick’s Guild to find resources that inspire reflection and celebration, guiding you toward a season of growth, renewal, and deeper faith.