First Sunday in Advent

Verse

Psalm 146:5 (ESV) “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”

Meditation

The First Sunday in Advent opens the Church Year with a call to repentance and steadfast hope. The psalmist reminds us that true blessedness is found not in human strength, earthly rulers, or passing security, but in the God of Jacob—the God who keeps covenant, shows mercy, and draws near to save. Advent begins by turning our eyes from self-sufficiency to divine help, from our attempts at control to the Lord who alone restores and redeems. This season invites us to confession and expectation: we acknowledge our frailty while lifting our eyes to the God who comes. The psalm directs our hope to the Lord who is faithful forever, who feeds the hungry, lifts the oppressed, and binds up the brokenhearted. As we prepare to celebrate the incarnation, we remember that Christ came for those who could not save themselves. He comes even now through His Word and Spirit, and He will come again in glory. Advent teaches us to wait with courage, to repent with honesty, and to hope with confidence in the God who keeps His promises and brings salvation to His people.

New Testament Verse

“‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’” Luke 19:10 (ESV)

As the psalmist proclaims that our help and hope rest in the Lord, Jesus reveals the heart of God’s saving purpose. In the same way Psalm 146 lifts our eyes to the faithful Redeemer, Christ shows that He has come for the broken, the wandering, and the helpless. Advent centers on this divine rescue.

Old Testament Verse

“‘Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him.’” Isaiah 40:10 (ESV)

In the same spirit as the psalmist’s hope in God’s saving power, Isaiah declares the coming of the Lord with strength and mercy. As Psalm 146 directs us to trust in the God of Jacob, Isaiah assures us that His coming brings justice, restoration, and peace.

Collect

Almighty God, our help and our hope, who sent Your Son to seek and save the lost, turn our hearts to You as we begin this holy season. Grant us repentance, faith, and expectation, that we may welcome Christ with joy and walk in His light; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

Rejoice, rejoice, believers,

And let your lights appear;

The evening is advancing,

And darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising,

And soon He draweth nigh.

(LSB 515 – “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers,” verse 1 — Public Domain)