Advent in the Psalms - Living Waters

It is hard to believe that Advent is here, and Christmas is only 22 days away. Everywhere you look people are starting to get ready for the holidays. Stores are filled with shoppers in search of bargains; Christmas lights brighten the evening sky; and Christmas trees can be seen standing in the front window of people’s homes. The 4 weeks leading up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, as people frantically prepare themselves for the holidays. However, as enjoyable as our Christmas preparations can be–or not be–the season of Advent calls us to a very different kind of preparation.

In his famous Christmas carol, “Joy to the World,” Isaac Watts writes, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room and heaven and nature sing.” “Let every heart prepare him room…” This carol calls us to stop amidst the busyness and rush of the season to intentionally prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus–not just as a baby in Bethlehem–but also as King of Glory at the end of the age. And so, over the next few weeks, we’ll be responding to this call to prepare Him room by participating in an ancient church tradition that meditates on the psalms, as a reminder of who it is we’re watching and waiting for this Advent season; and to help us in our own personal preparations. Maran Atha: Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

SERMONS

Sermon: The Only Begotten King

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Christopher Doering

Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023 ~ Advent Sunday

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12

Handout: Part 1. HO