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Resources for the Revised
Common Lectionary | |
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SEASON OF ADVENT
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Making Connections
Advent is a season of surprising paradox and reversal. As the calendar year draws to a close, the church’s year is just beginning. As the days grow darker (at least in the northern hemisphere), we watch and wait for the light that is coming into the world. As we look back across the centuries to celebrate the mystery of God’s incarnation in Jesus of Nazareth, we look forward to the consummation of history and Christ’s coming again in glory to reign.
Mary’s song, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), epitomizes the upside-down nature of Advent. Mary sings about the downfall of the proud and the exaltation of the lowly, the desolation of the rich and the satisfaction of the poor. She sings about the hopes of ancestors and the memories of generations to come. She sings about a mighty God who is known to us in acts of tender mercy.
Year C in the Revised Common Lectionary, with its focus on the Gospel of Luke, presents an opportunity to rediscover the good news through Mary’s eyes. Indeed, Mary’s song is a fitting introduction to Luke’s Gospel, with its focus on salvation history, concern for the oppressed and outsiders, emphasis on the transforming work of the Spirit, prominent portrayal of women, attention to the power of prayer, distinctive treatment of meals, and depiction of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel.
As you prepare for this season of Advent and the beginning of Revised Common Lectionary Year C, consider ways to heighten the paradoxes and highlight the reversals that herald God’s realm of righteousness, justice, and peace. Make use of the evocative symbols of light and darkness, but take care that they do not reinforce racial stereotypes. Look back with gratitude for the gift of the Messiah, but don’t neglect to look forward with hope for Christ’s glorious return. Work, watch, and pray for signs of God’s liberating love, lifting up the oppressed, welcoming outsiders, and humbling the powerful and proud. Devote yourself to the service of people who are hungry and poor, even as you attend to the rich banquet of worship.
Keep singing with Mary—and in all that you do, let your own humble, holy, human voice magnify the glory of God.
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Seasonal/Repeating Resources
These resources are intended for regular use throughout the season of Advent.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
The confession and pardon may be led from the baptismal font.
There is a voice crying out
in the wilderness of sin.
God is calling to us with love.
Let us confess our sin,
trusting in God’s saving grace.
The confession may begin with a time of silence for personal prayer.
We confess to you, O God,
that we are not prepared to welcome your way
of righteousness, justice, and peace.
You call us to repentance,
but we refuse to change our ways.
You call us to resist oppression,
but we resign ourselves to evil....
