8:30 am Hanging of the Greens - First Sunday of Advent - November 27

Today, a new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon!

In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the Word and Meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

The Hanging of the Greens service is a time of decorating with wreaths, garlands, Christmas tree and evergreens in preparation for the Christmas celebration. During this first service in Advent, let us watch for the Messiah who is the love of God,

and wake from our sleep, to see the light.

Responsive Reading: Psalm 122

First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5

Second Reading: Romans 3: 11-14

Gospel comes from St Matthew 24: 36-44 as Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, unexpected event that will bring salvation or judgement upon people cuaght up in the usual affairs of daily life. He urges people to be alert and expenctant.