1 December 2024 – Advent 1C

colour: purple

LINK here to a page full of both my Advent & Christmas worship songs AND several others
click here to download PDF of Keep Awake – a short reflection inspired by today’s Luke 21 reading.
Link to Vimeo video download

A CHANGE A-COMIN’ – new song for Advent – David & Dale MacGregor

• inspired by Mary’s Song, the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-53
• slightly-reggaeish feel, with lots of percussion and intergenerational possibilities
• permission granted for worship use incl. streaming.  CCLI reporting please.

lyrics     leadsheet      mp3 vocal

Luke 21:25-36

25-28  “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.  People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 36 Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?  Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.  Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
note: this scripture “suggests” Blessing songs.  Here are some suggestions. David

Psalm 25:1-10

1-5 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.  O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.  Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”