First Sunday in Advent

Matthew 24:36-44

Links for December 2, 2007: Advent 1A

Special Day Resources: World AIDS Day:
http://www.textweek.com/festivals/AIDS_day.htm

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The indexing work at "The Text This Week" is being sponsored this week
by:

Cokesbury.com Version 5.0. More products. More services. Same discounts.
Cokesbury: your partner in ministry. Visit us today! www.cokesbury.com

journeywithjesus.net - A weekly webzine for the global church - Lectionary
essays, books, film, and poetry http://www.journeywithjesus.net/

Lectionary.org. Excellent Exegesis on the Web -- and it is FREE
http://www.lectionary.org. Exegesis now available in English, Spanish, and
Chinese.

Instructions for the 21st Century Church? Doctor of Ministry Congregational
Mission and Leadership Luther Seminary www.luthersem.edu/dmin -
http://www.luthersem.edu/dmin/dmin_Cong_Miss_Ldrshp/?cmpgn=5159

RELIGION AND THEOLOGY JOURNALS - ATLASerials (ATLAS) Online Collection -
Free 30-day trial and major discounts - ATLA
http://www.atla.com/trial/textweek.html

SERMONWRITER Resources for Lectionary Preaching. FREE SAMPLES on request.
(http://www.sermonwriter.com/free_samples.htm) Sent weekly by
email: Exegesis, Sermons, True Stories, Thought Provokers, Hymns. Now
including children's sermons. SermonWriter: http://www.sermonwriter.com/

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This direct link to the weekly resources page for Advent 1, Year A (December
2, 2007):
http://www.textweek.com/yeara/adventa1.htm
will point you toward a number of resources for general study of the
lectionary texts, and worship and liturgy resources. Many of these general
resources are available close to the date of the lectionary week, and are
posted at The Text This Week after they are up at others'
sites.

_____

I've compiled pages of links to artwork depicting the following
themes:

visitation
http://www.textweek.com/art/visitation.htm

Mystical/Liturgical/Enthroned Madonna
http://www.textweek.com/art/mystical_Madonna.htm

last judgment
http://www.textweek.com/art/last_judgment.htm

annunciation
http://www.textweek.com/art/annunciation.htm

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Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation

Comments (commentary)
http://www.montreal.anglican.org/comments/aadv1m.shtml
and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study),
http://www.montreal.anglican.org/comments/aadv1l.shtml
Advent 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.

Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 1A, 2007. Commentary,
historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis
University.
http://liturgy.slu.edu/1AdvA120207/main.html

Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 1, by Paul Nuechterlein &
Friends.
http://girardianlectionary.net/year_a/advent1a.htm

Preaching Peace commentary, Advent 1, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
http://www.preachingpeace.org/yeara/advent1.htm

Advent Commentaries, First Sunday in Advent, Perry Yoder, Ben C.
Ollenburger, Mary H. Schertz, Jacob W. Elias, Associated Mennonite Biblical
Seminary.
http://www.ambs.edu/news-and-publications/advent/advent1

Preaching Helps (Advent 1A, 2007). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church
General Board of Discipleship.
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45504&loc_id=733,
32,44

Jesus Now, Advent 1A. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith
Futures Jesus Then & Now.
http://wiki.faithfutures.org/index.php/Advent_1A

Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 1A, 2007, Paul S.
Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
http://www.processandfaith.org/lectionary/YearA/2007-2008/2007-12-02.shtml

Sermon Nuggets, Advent 1A, 2007, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor,
questions, quotations.
http://home.twcny.rr.com/lyndale/advent%201A.htm

Stories & Anecdotes for Advent 1A, collected by Jack Lohr, Presbyterian
Church at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
http://www.pcfl.org/PastorsMessages/Advent1.dsp

First Sunday in Advent, December 2, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents
in Theology and Mission.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0MDO/is_5_34/ai_n21053791

Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 1A, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON,
Canada.
http://www.seemslikegod.org/Lectionary/YearA_Advent1.htm

"Walking in the Light," Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/bfletch/a101.html

Text Studies, Advent 1A, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran).
http://sio.midco.net/danelson9/yeara/advent1a.htm

Social Justice Lectionary, Advent 1A, list of links by Rev. Dr. Bruce
Sweet, United Church of Canada.
http://www.socialjusticelectionary.com/yearainfo.htm#1STADVENT

Starters for Sunday, 2 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn
Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of
Scotland.
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm

The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological
Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas.
http://cep.calvinseminary.edu/thisWeek/index.php

SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts,
commentary and bulletin back page.
http://www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/

Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by
professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS).
http://www.csl.edu/Resources_AudioVideo_LectionaryatLunch.aspx

Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription
http://www.atla.com/trial/textweek.html for these texts:

Isaiah 2:1-5
http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah2.htm#ATLAS_Journals

Psalm 122
http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm122.htm#ATLAS_Journals

Romans 13:11-14
http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom13.htm#ATLAS_Journals

Matthew 24:36-44
http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/matt24.htm#ATLAS_Journals

Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:

Blogging toward Sunday, Michael Pasquarello III, Theolog: The Blog of The
Christian Century, 2007.
http://www.theolog.org/

Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2007.
http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/

"Hunger and War," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," Living the Word,
Sojourners Online, 2007.
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0712&article=
071249

"What Can We Expect?" Keith A. Russell, Reflections on the Lectionary for
December, 2007, The Living Pulpit.
http://www.pulpit.org/articles/December07Lectionary.asp

"Waiting with Revolutionary Patience," Christine Smith, Randall C. Bailey,
Marvin M. Ellison, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives
and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign. (LGBT persective)
http://www.hrc.org/scripture/season.asp#12-02-07

Daily Reflection, Advent 1, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University,
2007.
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/120207.html

This Sunday's Readings, First Sunday of Advent, John Pridmore, Church
Times, 2007.
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=47900

Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 1A, 2004. (Episcopal Lectionary) Biblical
Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the
lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
http://www.sarahlaughed.net/lectionary/2004/11/first_sunday_of.html

The Good Word, Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National
Catholic Weekly, 2007.
http://americamagazine.org/blogs/client/

Writer's Alley, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2007.
http://www.goodpreacher.com/blog/

The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions, Volume 2, and Homilias
Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P.
http://www.op.org/exchange/

Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion. "A place of conversation regarding
Progressive Christianity."
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/

Education for Justice Lectionary Reflections, 2007, Fr. John Bucki, SJ,
"Promoting Global Justice and Peace Since 1971".
http://educationforjustice.org/bin/view.fpl/1413.html

COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church,
Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry.
http://www.coslcgrace.blogspot.com/

Reflections of the Spirit, Gary Sims, First United Methodist Church,
Albuquerque, NM. Daily studies & devotions on the lectionary texts.
http://www.fumconline.org/devotionals.php

Common Reading, Anthony B. Robinson.
http://www.anthonybrobinson.com/reading.htm

"Wake-Up Call," Peter W. Marty, The Christian Century, 2004.
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=3106

"Sweeping House in the Unexpected Hour," Mark Harris, Proclaiming Gospel
Justice, The Witness, 2004.
http://www.thewitness.org/agw/harris112404.html

"Advent's Call to Isaiah and Dr. King," Nan Peete, Proclaiming Gospel
Justice, The Witness, 2004.
http://www.thewitness.org/agw/peete112404.html

"Live Into Hope," Ruth A. Meyers, The Christian Century, 2001. Religion
Online.
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2175

The Saturday Night Theologian, Advent 1A, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod
O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2004.
http://www.progressivetheology.org/SNT/SNT-2004.11.28.html

"Wake Up!" by Michaela Bruzzese. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture
commentary from Sojourners Online, 2001.
http://www.sojo.net/magazine/index.cfm/action/sojourners/issue/soj0111/artic
le/011149.html

Living the Word, by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary-based scripture
commentary at Sojourner's Online, 1995.
http://www.sojo.net/magazine/index.cfm/action/sojourners/issue/soj9511/artic
le/951149.html

Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and
other resources.
http://www.desperatepreacher.com/bodyii.htm

Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year
A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education
Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
http://www.ontario.anglican.ca/docs/SundayBySundayA.pdf

Sermons

Selected Sermon, Advent 1A (RCL), by the Rev. Ben E. Helmer, in Worship
that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons_that_work_92052_ENG_HTM.htm

Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship at the Heart of the Lectionary.
ELCA.
http://www.elca.org/stewardship/sermon.asp

"Expect the Unexpected," 28 November 2004, Hugh Beck, Göttinger Predigten
im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran
theologians/ pastors.
http://www.predigten.uni-goettingen.de/archiv-7/041128-4-e.html

"We Are A Pilgrim People," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National
Catholic Weekly, 2004.
http://tinyurl.com/32dlr7

"The Waiting Place," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2004.
http://www.day1.net/index.php5?view=transcripts&tid=470

Selected sermon by the Rev. Ben E. Helmer in Sermons that Work, ECUSA,
2004.
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/6087_52762_ENG_HTM.htm

"Twenty-Two Shopping Days Left," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National
Catholic Weekly, 2001.
http://tinyurl.com/37gecl

Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:

Banquet of the Word, Bible Study Based on the Sunday Readings, by Rev.
Thomas Welbers.
http://www.olaclaremont.org/education/adult/bow/bowada01.htm

Lectionary Notes, Advent 1, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group
Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
http://www.bethquick.com/advent1anotes.htm

"The Church Building as Sacramental Sign," Psalm 122,
http://www.baylor.edu/christianethics/CitiesandTownsStudyGuide5.pdf
study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Cities
and Towns,"
http://www.baylor.edu/christianethics/index.php?id=39313
Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University,
2006.

Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent A, The Episcopal
Church, 2007.
http://ecusa.anglican.org/50534_53814_ENG_HTM.htm

Proclaiming Faith, Advent 1A - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings -
reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
http://www.cyberfaith.com/proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=139&language=eng&
book=0

"Following the Son of Man," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily
Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2007.
http://www.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/dailydiscipleship/Fall2007/December2_
2007.pdf

Bible Study - Advent 1 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary
commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
http://www.scborromeo.org/biblestu/a_adv_1.pdf

Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and
participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
http://www.bibleministries.org/

Complete Liturgies & General Worship Planning Resources:

Worship Planning Helps (Advent 1, 2007): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn
Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General
Board of Discipleship.
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45501&loc_id=733,
32,44

Gathering, Advent 1, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes
homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn
suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
http://www.united-church.ca/files/sales/magazines/gathering/2008/ace/rtf/ace
2008.rtf

"Peace within All Walls," First Sunday of Advent, Worship Ways, United
Church of Christ, 2007.
http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/advent-1_peace-within-all-walls.pdf

Mustard Seeds, "Why Are We Waiting," Advent 1A, 2007. A lectionary-based
ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland,
Australia.
http://seedstuff.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-1-december-2-why-are-we-waiting
.html

LCA Worship Resources, Advent 1A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes
on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran
Church of Australia.
http://tinyurl.com/26qg7c

Liturgies Online, Advent 1, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in
Australia.
http://www.liturgiesonline.com.au/liturgies/main/index.php?ch_table=link1&PI
D=7&SID=&year=A

Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting
Church in Australia.
http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/A1A95OS.htm

Liturgy Alive, Advent 1, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
http://www.bible.claret.org/Liturgy%20References/Cycle%20A/Advent/1Sunday/1S
un.htm

"A Wake Up Call!" Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/bfletch/a201.html

Liturgy for Ordinary Time, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/churchyear/advent.html
Adapting Advent to the Southern Hemisphere.
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/churchyear/adventseason.html

Sermons and Liturgies for Advent 1A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of
Canada:
"Being Prepared: Keeping the Vision Alive"
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-ad01se.php
"Hope - True Light in a Time of Darkness"
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-ad01smsn.php
"Walking in the Light and Waiting for Jesus"
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-ad01su.php

Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
http://www.canticanova.com/planning/year-a/p_advt_a.htm

Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:

Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra
Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings,
Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
http://www.laughingbird.net/ComingWeeks.html

Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and
Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~nigel/doc/20041129.htm

The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in
Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
http://thebillabong.info/

Lector's Notes, Advent 1, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish,
Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this
week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
http://www.lectorprep.org/advent_01_yrA.html

Prayers of the People, Year A - Advent 1. General intercessions for Sundays
and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal]
Diocese of Louisiana.
http://members.cox.net/oplater/IntercessionA-Advent1.pdf

The Billabong, Advent 1, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia:
Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
http://thebillabong.info/

Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church,
by Katherine Hawker.
http://liturgyoutside.net/AdventA.html
Other Advent Resources.
http://liturgyoutside.net/AdventChristmasOutside.html

Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Advent 1A. Chris Haslam,
Diocese of Montreal.
http://www.montreal.anglican.org/comments/aadv1i.shtml

Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
http://revsbrown.tripod.com/aplaceforprayer/id2.html

21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 1A, 2007, Ciona D.
Rouse, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45508&loc_id=733,
32,44

"Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist,
Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/reflection/550c.html

Offertory Prayers for December, 2007, Herb Mather, Director of the Center
for Christian Stewardship, the General Board of Discipleship of The United
Methodist Church.
http://www.gbod.org/stewardship/article.asp?id=45595&source=church

Starters for Sunday, 2 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn
Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of
Scotland.
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm

Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1A. Commentary, historical background,
poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
http://liturgy.slu.edu/1AdvA120207/main.html

World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi,
California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
http://www.worldinprayer.org/

Graphics and Multimedia:

Clip Art, Advent 1, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.

http://www.silk.net/RelEd/Year%20A/1adventA.htm

Clip Art Images: Matthew 24:36-44, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el
Perú.
http://www.mscperu.org/caricaturas/graficoslit/adviento_navidad/1_adv_a.htm

Advent 1
http://www.servicioskoinonia.org/cerezo/dibujosA/01AdvientoA1.jpg
at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman
Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the
index. Liberation emphasis.
http://www.servicioskoinonia.org/cerezo/indexAgraf.html

Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett,
Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
http://www.scholia.net/bulletins.htm

Mustard Seeds, "Why Are We Waiting," Advent 1A, 2007. A lectionary-based
ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland,
Australia.
http://seedstuff.blogspot.com/2007/11/advent-1-december-2-why-are-we-waiting
.html

SundayGraphx, Don Silva. Bulletin Covers / Cubierta de Boletín and
PowerPoint backgrounds, English and Spanish.
http://sundaygraphx.blogspot.com/

Free Downloadable Bulletin Covers & Clip Art, (primarily UMC and PCUSA),
Kerr Resources.
http://www.kerrresources.com/

Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
http://www.agnusday.org/

La domenica con Gesù, weekly image tied to gospel lesson.
http://www.santegidio.org/it/amici/voce/domenica.htm

Bulletin Inserts:

Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New
Zealand.
http://www.liturgy.co.nz/lectionary/aad1.html

Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 1A, Rev. John Shearman,
Oakville, ON, Canada.
http://www.seemslikegod.org/Lectionary/YearA_Advent1.htm

SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts,
commentary and bulletin back page.
http://www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/

Hymns and Music: (see also "Hymns & Music" linked at individual
scripture pages, below)

"Come to the Light of Hope," F. Richard Garland, Advent Hymns with
Lectionary Texts, Year A. United Methodist Church General Board of
Discipleship.
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45517

"Will You Heed the Signs of Advent?" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on
Matthew 24:36-44. TUNE: "Rathbun," by Ithamar Conkey (1849). New Hymns for
the Lectionary.
http://www.edoxy.com/hymns/Proper01A_Gospel.html

"The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick,
Uniting Church in Australia.
http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/Adventhym.htm

Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files)
from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday
Lectionary.")
http://oremus.org/hymnal/

Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
http://www.hymnsite.com/lection/index.shtml

Hymn Suggestion First-Line Generator for Voices United (United Church of
Canada). Type in numbers of hymns and get a list of first lines. Peter
Chynoweth, Yellowhead Presbytery. (scroll down)
http://yellowheadpresbytery.org/news_info.htm

Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets
for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire
suggestions for RCL texts.
http://www.mcsp.org/resources/wrm/res_wrm_preface.htm

The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn
suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
http://thebillabong.info/

Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 1A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist
National Memorial Church.
http://www.hos3.com/hos3/archives/advent_1a/

Gathering, Advent 1, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes
homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn
suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
http://www.united-church.ca/files/sales/magazines/gathering/2008/ace/rtf/ace
2008.rtf

Together to Celebrate, December 2, 2007, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in
Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
http://www.togethertocelebrate.com.au/ADVENT1A_2007.htm

Starters for Sunday, 2 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn
Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of
Scotland.
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/wpstarters.htm

Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1A. Commentary, historical background,
poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
http://liturgy.slu.edu/1AdvA120207/main.html

Children's Bulletins

Lectionary Puzzles. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg
McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
http://www.efree.mb.ca/lectionarypuzzles/in-awag.htm#ad1

Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Children, based on the Revised
Common Lectionary, by Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Great Hill UMC, Seymour,
Connecticut. At Bass Mitchell's homiliesbyemail.com.
http://www.homiliesbyemail.com/leaf/cas/current.html

Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's
Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of
page.)
http://www.sermons4kids.com/

CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word
Search based on weekly gospel text.
http://www.catholicmom.com/coloring_pages.htm

With Children (see also listings "With Children" at individual
scripture pages, linked below):

"Sermon of the Week,"
http://www.sermons4kids.com/
"Mensajes para ninos,"
http://www.sermons4kids.com/mensajes_para_ninos.htm
Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons,
Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.

Family Table Devos, weekly family devotionals on placemats by Meghan Large,
NC Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://www.lutheranyouth.org/Family_Table_Devotions.133.html

Gathering, Advent 1, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes
homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn
suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
http://www.united-church.ca/files/sales/magazines/gathering/2008/ace/rtf/ace
2008.rtf

"Preparing for Christ's Coming," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies.
Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/a-ad01smsn.php

Ideas and Talks for Advent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale,
Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
http://talks2children.itsforministry.org/t2c/seasonal.asp?SeasonID=2A

_______________________
_______________________

Isaiah 2:1-5
http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah2.htm

The Old Testament Readings: Weekly Comments on the Revised Common
Lectionary, Howard Wallace Audrey Schindler, Morag Logan, Paul Tonson,
Lorraine Parkinson, Theological Hall of the Uniting Church, Melbourne,
Australia.
http://hwallace.unitingchurch.org.au/WebOTcomments/AdventA/Advent1Isa2.html
"Our history, with all its associated events, the things that fill our news
broadcasts and papers each day, is not divorced from God’s eternity, God’s
reign in Christ."

Commentary, Background, Insights from Literary Structure, Theological
Message, Ways to Present the Text. Anna Grant-Henderson, Uniting Church in
Australia.
http://oldtestamentlectionary.unitingchurch.org.au/2004/november/Adv1Isa2_04
.htm
"As Christians we can see how God's grace is extended to the community and
the world - our response is the desire to walk in the light of Christ."

Isaiah 2:1-5, Studies on Old Testament texts from Series A, Ralph W. Klein,
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
http://fontes.lstc.edu/~rklein/Documents/adventa.htm#Advent1

Zion Established, Interpreting the Book of Isaiah: Yahweh's Changeless
Purpose in the Changing History of Zion, Lee E. Snook, Texts in Context,
Word & World, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1983.
http://www.luthersem.edu/word&world/Archives/3-4_Luther/3-4_Snook.pdf
"In the civilo order of Judah, the people were subservient to the king. In
the civil order of our nation, the principle is reversed."

"See What the Lord Will Do," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic
Resource for This Sunday's Gospel.
http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/A/1-Advent-a/FR-1Advent-a.html
"These few verses from Isaiah should fuel our spiritual anticipation."

"Behold...It Was a Dream," Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long.
http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Is2.html
"The hard work of mediation will be the place where "rubber meets road" in
the learning kingdom of Jerusalem."


Sermons:

"The Waiting Place," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2004.
http://www.day1.net/index.php5?view=transcripts&tid=470

"War and Peace: Iraq, A Just War?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace
Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_a_iraq_a_just_war.htm

"Coming," Advent 1A, Rev. Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.
http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_a_coming.htm

"Peacemakers in the Household of God," Rev. Ann Svennungsen, President,
Fund for Theological Education. 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening
Club.
http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/svennungsen_4804.htm
(Complete program
http://www.csec.org/this_week_4804.htm
and other resources on Peace from the Chicago Sunday Evening Club.)
http://www.csec.org/reflections/peace.htm

_____

Romans 13:11-14
http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom13.htm

First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Advent 1,
William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/AEpAdvent1.htm
"Love is bigger than all the observances and bigger than all the
commandments."

Advent 1A and Proper 18A, David S. Jacobsen, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, in
Preaching Apocalyptic Texts: Year A, Resources for Pastors Who Want to
'Preach in the New Creation'.
http://www.wlu.ca/~wwwsem/dsj/apoca1.html
"For preachers, this text is significant. It lifts up the importance of
love as the law's fulfilment. Yet at the same time it refuses to set up love
as a big, shadowy "ought." Instead, it sets love firmly in the light, that
is, God's dawning light of the new aeon. In other words, we don't love cause
we should love. Rather, we love because God's ever-lovin' day is about to
dawn."

"A New Vision of Righteousness: Paul's Exhortations in Romans 12-15," Peter
L. Samuelson, Word & World, 1990.
http://www.luthersem.edu/word&world/Archives/10-3_Church_Talk/10-3_Samuelson
.pdf

"Sacrifice in Romans 12-15," Calvin J. Roetzel, Word & World, 1986.
http://www.luthersem.edu/word&world/Archives/6-4_Romans/6-4_Roetzel.pdf

"Social Identity, the Virtues, and the Good Life: A New Approach to Romans
12:1 - 15:13," Philip F. Esler, Biblical Theology Bulletin, 2003.
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0LAL/2_33/103673631/p1/article.jhtml
"...this part of the letter can be interpreted both as Paul's attempt to
outline descriptors of the new identity his addressees experience as members
of the Christ-movement, especially in relation to agape, and as a vision of
the moral life very similar to the Aristotelian interest in the virtues as
the means to promote human flourishing."

"Love, Law and the Last Days (Romans 13:8-14)," by Robert Deffinbaugh at
the Biblical Studies Foundation.
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=2325
"He reminds the Christian that his time is limited because the day of the
Lord’s return is daily drawing nearer. In the light of this reality, he
calls upon him to deny his fleshly lusts and to live for God. He challenges
the Christian not to indulge himself, but to give himself sacrificially in
serving others and in seeking their good."

Reflection for Advent 1A: Environmental & earth-centered reflections from
the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
Rev. Helen Hanten.
http://www.env-steward.com/lectionary/lecta/a-ad1-nt.htm
"History just might be interrupted with some special event. How like this
our sometime disregard for the things we do that harm the environment in our
ordinary life events. Will a sudden awakening happen when we have gone too
far in polluting the land or water or atmosphere?"

"Unforgiven," William L. Hawkins, The Christian Century, 2002.
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2612
"More than anything else, the unwillingness to perform the difficult task of
forgiveness and reconciliation in the love and spirit of Christ is what robs
the church of that quality of life that first attracted outsiders."

"Wake UP!" Advent 1, analysis and reflections by Ron Starenko at
Sabbatheology by The Crossings Community of St Louis.
http://www.crossings.org/theology/theolo306.htm
"But now that we are awake in the Spirit, and children of the day, we can
be proactive rather than reactive. Our faith becomes active in love as we
awaken to life for others."

"Our Salvation Is Near," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies
and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual
notes.
http://www.lectionarystudies.com/advent1ae.html

"Advent the Echo Chamber," Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long.
http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Rom13.html
Part 2.
http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Rom13II.html
"Christ, then, is the summation all things. In some way all things are
'gathered up' in Christ."

Sermons:

"Telling the Good News," the Rev. Beth Royalty, Day 1, 2005.
http://www.day1.net/index.php5?view=transcripts&tid=513

"Paul Was Patriotic," Vic Stolzfus, College Mennonite Church, July 28,
2002.
http://peace.mennolink.org/articles/paulpatriot.html

"The Great Put-On!" John Jewell, 2002.
http://www.lectionarysermons.com/septembr-08-02.htm

_____

Matthew 24:36-44
http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/matt24.htm

"First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Advent 1,"
William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/MtAdvent1.htm
"The watching is a dramatic way of speaking about God-connectedness...It is
about developing an awareness of what the God of the future is saying and
doing in the present, to take a God perspective on the issues of the day and
the future and to let that happen at all levels of our reality, from our
personal lives to our international community, including our co-reality in
creation."

See also: The Gospel of Matthew: An Introduction for Preachers, by Dr.
William R.G. Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/matt.html

"Eschatological Discourse," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor
Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed
background and exegesis.
http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_b_eschataological_discourse.htm

"The Element of Surprise," Mary Hinkle, Pilgrim Preaching.
http://maryhinkle.typepad.com/pilgrim_preaching/2004/11/the_element_of_.html
"Maybe the surprise, when Christ returns, will be that he was here all
along. Maybe the surprise will be that, ahead of time himself, he has been
calling, gathering, enlightening and sanctifying the meek and all the rest
of those who bear his name."

"First Sunday in Advent: Matthew 24:37-44 or Matthew 21:1-11," The Matthean
Advent Gospels, James Arne Nestingen, Word & World: Theology for Christian
Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1992.
http://www.luthersem.edu/word&world/Archives/12-4_Economics/12-4_Nestingen.p
df
"Forgiveness of sin is not merely therapeutic accommodation to the
inevitable disappointments of a selfhood running out of control, it is the
current form of the resurrection, opening both self and community tot he
freedom of life lived beyond condemnation, in grace."

Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
http://www.crossmarks.com/brian/matt24x36.htm
"As congregations may be looking at their budgets, we might ask, 'How are
we being faithful and wise in caring for others while waiting for Christ's
return?'"

Preaching Matthew 24:36-44, Anna Carter Florence, Columbia Theological
Seminary, Lectionary Homiletics sample.
http://www.goodpreacher.com/samplesread.php?file=145

Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western
Australia.
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/matthew0/MIM243644ADV1.html

Exegesis, Advent 1A, by Richard Donovan at lectionary.org.
http://www.lectionary.org/EXEG-English/NT/ENT01-Matt/Matt%2024.36-44.htm
"We preachers have our work cut out for us if we are to get people to take
seriously their preparation for the Second Coming."

Wellspring of the Gospel, Advent 1A, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn
Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/advent/advent1.htm
"If the Son of Man appeared while I was busy at work - would I be prepared
to drop everything and go to Him?"

"Quit Guessing; Start Building," Jerry Goebel, One Family Outreach. "Focus
on scripture from a justice perspective." Exegesis, study, and teen study
and activities.
http://onefamilyoutreach.com/bible/Matthew/mt_24_36-44.htm
"Christ said more than we do not know the dates; he said we cannot know the
dates – we are incapable of knowing them – they are for God to know...It is
enough for us to know that he will come again at the most appropriate time
and to work towards that event."

"Watch!" Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies & Sermons, Pumpkin
Cottage Ministry Resources.
http://www.lectionarystudies.com/studyg/advent1ag.html

"Matthew in Minneapolis and in Israel," Sarah Henrich, Word & World, 1999.
http://www.luthersem.edu/word&world/Archives/19-2_Isaiah/19-2_Henrich.pdf

"Waiting Joyfully," Advent 1, Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R., from Sundays Into
Silence: Reflections on the Sunday Gospels in the Light of Christian
Meditation. Claretian Publications.
http://www.bible.claret.org/liturgy/daily/sundays_pierse/cycleA/1stSunAdvt.h
tm
"Meditation is a way of being alert and ready for the Lord."

"What Kind of Coming This Year?" Expository Essay, Dr. William R. Long.
http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Matt24.html
Part 2.
http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIII/Matt24II.html
"Just as the prophet Elijah discovered that God was not in the wind or the
fire but in the 'still small voice,' the unexpected quietness that
confronted him after all the demonstrations of nature had played itself out,
so we may discover this Advent season that the Coming of Christ for us isn't
in the activity, the memories, the fun, the singing, or even the carefully
planned lessons of the Sundays in Advent."

"Gospel for the First Sunday in Advent: Matthew 24:36-44," from Exegesis
for the Christian Year, Henry Gustafson, 1998. At Religion Online.
http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=402&C=132
"Believing that the future as well as the present belong to God, the
minister of these Advent texts might find it well to listen to Hans Kung’s
admonition: to take care lest she preach judgment too loudly and insistently
before the small and defenseless and too softly and half-heartedly before
the powerful of this world."

"The Big Surprise," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource
for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity,
Support Materials.
http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/A/1-Advent-a/A-1Advent-a.html
"What recent turn of events has taken you by surprise? Why were you caught
off guard?"

Environmental & earth-centered reflections from the Episcopal Diocese of
Minnesota Environmental Stewardship Commission.
http://www.env-steward.com/lectionary/lecta/a-ad1-g.htm

"The Coming of the Son of Man: Bad News or Good News?" analysis and
reflections by Bob Bertram, in Sabbatheology by The Crossings Community of
St. Louis.
http://www.crossings.org/theology/theolo142.htm
"When our watching for his coming is no longer a nervous peeking over our
shoulder for the Thief in the night to pounce but instead is now a hopeful
waiting for our Best Friend to return, then what? Then we are a lot less apt
to write off the long wait as a "delay" or the story of his coming as a ruse
to scare us."

"Olivet Discourse," wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivet_discourse

Sermons:

"Ethics and Eschatology," Theodore J. Wardlaw, President, Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 2004. Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
http://covenantnetwork.org/sermon&papers/wardlaw-12-04.htm

"Suddenly,"
http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_a_suddenly.htm
"Wake Up! Don't Fall Asleep!"
http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/series_a_wake_up.htm
Rev. Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.

_____

Psalm 122
http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm122.htm

______________
______________

May the Peace of Christ be with you all, and may your study be prayer,

Jenee

Jenee Woodard -- Jackson, Michigan
mailto:jeneewd@dmci.net
http://www.textweek.com - The Text This Week