Advent Booklet English 2020

i g h t i n g t h e yaW T o C h r i s t sam

wo l l o tne eht f ot e r v o d f civ A f em res o o s h y a t a d n

to Christmas

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A service to follow at home for the four Sundays of Advent a service to follow at home for the four sundays of advent

A s e r v i c e t o f o l wol

First Week of Advent Daily Gratitude 1. Sunday I’m thankful for 2. Monday I’m thankful for 3. Tuesday I’m thankful for 4. Wednesday I’m thankful for 5. Thursday I’m thankful for 6. Friday I’m thankful for 7. Saturday I’m thankful for

Second Week of Advent Daily Gratitude 1. Sunday I’m thankful for 2. Monday I’m thankful for 3. Tuesday I’m thankful for 4. Wednesday I’m thankful for 5. Thursday I’m thankful for 6. Friday I’m thankful for 7. Saturday I’m thankful for

The First Week of Advent

The Prophets’ Candle Greeting Leader All:

Light and peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Opening Prayer Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. We ask this through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 60:19–20

The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun shall no more go down, Or your moon withdraw itself; For the Lord will be your everlasting light, And your days of mourning shall be ended.

Collect As this wreath remains ever green and ever alive and our Advent candles mark the weeks until the birth of Christ, nurture us in joyful hope and expectation. Amen.

Light the First Advent candle Suggested Activities for the Week Choose an Advent calendar at the Cathedral Bookstore and begin counting the days to Christmas.

Drop off a warm blanket at The Beacon for a brother or sister there.

Put out some birdseed in a feeder or dish.

Tape quarters to the washers and dryers at your local laundromat.

Give a compliment to a friend or stranger.

The Second Week of Advent

The Bethlehem Candle Greeting Leader

Light and peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

All:

Thanks be to God.

Opening Prayer Celebrating the endless circle of God’s care, we join together in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp to put it under a bucket, but on a lamp stand where it gives light for everyone in the house. And you, like the lamp, must shed light among your fellow men, so that they may see the good you do, and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Collect Lord, help us to step out in faith with openness to your will. Make us ready to greet you with peace-filled hearts. Amen.

Light two Advent candles.

Suggested Activities for the Week Read O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.”

Take treats and food to an animal shelter.

Gather and deliver unused/seldom-used/unwanted items like socks, gloves, and scarves for local shelter.

Make treats for your local fire or police station.

The Third Week of Advent

The Shepherds’ Candle Greeting Leader

Light and peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

All:

Thanks be to God.

Opening Prayer With joyful anticipation we make ready our hearts for the birth of our Savior, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 139:10–11

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.

Collect Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Light three Advent Candles.

Suggested Activities for the Week Set up your crèche and begin to add the nativity figures, one a day.

Watch a favorite Christmas movie with some friends this week.

Call a faraway relative and wish them a blessed Advent.

Make and deliver a thank you card to a librarian.

Pay for a stranger’s coffee.

The Fourth Week of Advent

The Angel Candle Greeting Leader All:

Light and peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Opening Prayer Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even to Bethlehem, to see the babe lying in a manger. Amen.

Scripture Reading The angel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

Collect Lord, help us to step out in faith and with openness to your will. Make us ready to greet you with peace-filled hearts. Amen.

Light four Advent candles.

Suggested Activities for the Week Make and share a list of the blessings you have received in the last year.

Share the list with your family and friends.

Share your daily gratitude list with those around your Christmas tree.

Third Week of Advent Daily Gratitude 1. Sunday I’m thankful for 2. Monday I’m thankful for 3. Tuesday I’m thankful for 4. Wednesday I’m thankful for 5. Thursday I’m thankful for 6. Friday I’m thankful for 7. Saturday I’m thankful for

Fourth Week of Advent Daily Gratitude 1. Sunday I’m thankful for 2. Monday I’m thankful for 3. Tuesday I’m thankful for 4. Wednesday I’m thankful for 5. Thursday I’m thankful for 6. Friday I’m thankful for 7. Saturday I’m thankful for

Say this prayer while lighting the Advent candle(s) O Gracious Light

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O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds.

The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas The Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson, Dean

1117 Texas Avenue • Houston, Texas 77002 • 713-222-2593 www.christchurchcathedral.org