Dear Doves,
      Much of the Season of Advent concerns the First Advent, the First Coming of Messiah/Christ to Earth. We are into a Season of Remembrance of the Annunciation, the Incarnation, the infancy narratives, and the initial stories about the early earthly life of the Redeemer of humankind.
      The four readings for Advent: Week 1 Sunday are the following: Isaiah 64: 1-9, Psalm 80: 1-7, 16-18, 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9, and Mark 13: 24-37. A common theme is the Majestic One. Isaiah 64:1 begins with prayer and beseeching the presence of the Lord. "O that you would tear open the heavens and come down" and no longer be hidden. Psalm 80:1 begins with a prayer and imploring for the "Shepherd of Israel" to "shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim." It is about coming to Earth to help, to save, and to restore. There are 3 requests  to "show the light of your countenance." The text of 1 Corinthians includes prayer that the congregation finds that "you are not lacking any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." Mark 13: 24-37 is about The Second Coming at the conclusion of "the time of Jacob's Trouble." Each of these readings is about The Majestic One coming down to Earth from Heaven and being Revealed. It is like HIS APPEARING OUT OF HIDING! It is a bit different than the motif or theme of the previous week of Christ the King. This Advent Week 1 showcases the MAJESTY even more! In a curious sense, Advent begins with texts about The Majestic One possessing tremendous authority and power. As the weeks of Advent progress we look to the humble birth and beginnings of the one who shall later become The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords and The Judge. Come quickly, Lord...
 
With Love and Shalom,
Jean