1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 1, 2024
Mass Readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
- First Reading – Jeremiah 33:14-16: The Lord promises to fulfill his covenant with Israel and Judah, raising a righteous leader from David’s line. Judah and Jerusalem will live in safety and be called “The Lord is our justice.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: I lift my soul to the Lord, seeking his guidance and truth. The Lord is good, guiding the humble and showing his faithful love to those who keep his covenant.
- Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2: May the Lord help you grow in love and holiness. Continue living to please God, as we taught you, following the instructions from Jesus.
- Gospel – Luke 21:25-28, 34-36: Jesus warned his disciples about signs in the heavens and on earth before the Son of Man comes in glory. Stay alert and pray for strength to endure and stand before him.
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.
Luke 21:36
Themes for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. This season prepares us for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and at the end of time.
- Hope in God’s Promise: Jeremiah speaks of God’s promise to bring justice and righteousness. This reminds us to trust in God’s plans.
- Faithful Waiting: Jeremiah shows God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises. We learn to wait with faith and patience.
- Love and Increase: Paul prays for love to increase in the Thessalonians. This teaches us to grow in love and holiness.
- Holiness and Conduct: Paul urges the Thessalonians to live in holiness. We are reminded to live in ways that please God.
- Watchfulness: Jesus warns of signs and the need to be vigilant. We should stay alert and faithful, ready for His coming.
- Prayer and Strength: Jesus calls for prayer and strength to face challenges. We rely on prayer to stay strong in our faith.
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C encourages us to prepare our hearts and lives for Jesus’ coming. Through hope, love, and vigilance, we grow closer to Him.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C.
Resources for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 1, 2024
Scary Stuff – A Lesson Plan on the Second Coming
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C teaches us to be ready for Jesus’ second coming. The Gospel speaks about alarming signs, but believers should find hope in these events. Jesus says these signs mean our final redemption is near. We must prepare now by living according to Jesus’ teachings. He is with us through the Church and the sacraments, helping us grow closer to Him. By choosing to follow Jesus and accepting His grace, we are preparing for His return.
Resources and Lesson Plans for Advent
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas and the second coming of Christ. The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C focuses on being watchful and ready. Common practices include increased prayer and acts of charity to deepen our relationship with God. Purple is the liturgical color for Advent, symbolizing preparation, with rose used on Gaudete Sunday to signify joy. These traditions help us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Some ideas specifically for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C are shown below. See even more ideas to start Advent well here.
Background Information on the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C includes a reading from Jeremiah 33:14-16, where the prophet speaks of God’s promise of restoration. Jeremiah tells of a future where Israel and Judah are reunited and a righteous ruler from David’s line will reign. This prophecy points to Jesus Christ and gives hope to the people. It reminds believers today of God’s faithfulness and His plans for our redemption.
A Prayer for Guidance Based on Psalm 25
Psalm 25 is the responsorial psalm for the 1st Sunday of Advent in Year C. It teaches us to trust God and ask for His guidance. The psalmist seeks mercy, protection, and direction from God. This article offers a simple look at Psalm 25 and its themes. It also includes a modern prayer inspired by the psalm, focusing on guidance and forgiveness for today’s challenges. This is a helpful resource for those wanting to deepen their understanding of this psalm and use it in their daily prayer.
1 Thessalonians: A Practical Guide
The second reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C is from 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2. This book provides insights into early Christian life and guidance for believers. Paul wrote it to new converts facing challenges. It emphasizes faith, love, and hope, especially in anticipating Christ’s return. Key themes include living a holy life, promoting love and unity, and being responsible in society. This text offers a practical guide for living a Christian life that pleases God.
Understanding the Gospel of Luke
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C starts a new liturgical year. This year, most of the Gospel readings will come from Luke. Luke is believed to have been a doctor and a friend of St. Paul. He also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. Acts is not just a follow-up to his Gospel. Together, they tell the full story. The story did not end with Jesus’ death, resurrection, and Pentecost. Instead, the early Christian community is shown as fulfilling God’s promises.
Luke writes about the destruction of Jerusalem and how Christianity spread. Persecutions and challenges did not stop the young Christian community. Instead, these difficulties helped spread Jesus’ followers and allowed Christianity to grow quickly in many places. But not everyone recognized the Kingdom of God. We need to be attentive to see it.
In Luke’s writings, the poor and outcast often see the Kingdom of God more clearly than the powerful. But the rich can also change. No matter who they are, some people saw the Good News as freedom. Others saw it as a threat. We must decide if we are content with our lives or if we want Jesus to change us for the better.
Homilies and Reflections for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 1, 2024
Look Back, Look Around, Look Forward
On the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C, Bishop Robert Barron discusses a simple yet profound template for understanding Advent: the three comings of Christ. First, Christ came in history as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Second, Christ comes to us today through the Church and sacraments, knocking on the doors of our hearts. Finally, Christ will come definitively at the end of time to judge and renew the world. This framework encourages us to look back, be present, and look forward, preparing our hearts for Jesus.
Preparing for the Lord’s Coming
In his reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C, Jeff Cavins emphasizes the importance of preparing for both Christmas and the end of time. He explains that the scriptures use figurative language to signify that time will eventually be up and Christ will return. Cavins advises avoiding distractions, drunkenness, and anxieties of daily life to stay alert and ready. He suggests practical steps such as attending Mass, reading scripture, and setting aside holy time to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming. This reflection encourages us to make Advent a meaningful time of preparation.
Heads Up
In his reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C, Scott Hahn highlights the tension between promise and fulfillment in the readings. Jeremiah’s prophecy of a righteous descendant of David points to Jesus, the Savior for whom Israel waited. The psalm expresses Israel’s ancient hope, while the Gospel urges us to stay vigilant for Christ’s return. Jesus uses Old Testament images to describe the end-times, encouraging believers to welcome these events with confidence, knowing that God keeps His promises and our redemption is near.
More Thoughts for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. The readings for this Sunday call us to watchfulness, prayer, love, holiness, and trust in God’s promises.
Trusting in God’s Promises
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C invites us to trust in God’s promises. In the first reading, Jeremiah speaks about God’s promise to bring forth a righteous branch from David’s line. This branch represents Jesus, who brings justice and righteousness. This promise shows us that God is faithful and keeps His word.
Jeremiah’s message is a source of hope. Even in difficult times, we can trust that God is working for our good. His promises give us strength and courage. When we feel uncertain or afraid, we can remember that God has a plan for us, just as He did for the people in Jeremiah’s time.
The theme of trusting in God’s promises is also found in the Gospel reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C. Jesus tells us to stand up and lift our heads because our redemption is near. This means we should not be afraid but trust that God will fulfill His promises. Jesus will return, and we need to be ready.
As we begin Advent, let’s focus on trusting in God’s promises. Are we placing our hope in Him? Are we confident that He will guide us and fulfill His word? By trusting in God’s promises, we can prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus and find peace in His faithfulness.
Growing in Love and Holiness
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C calls us to grow in love and holiness. In the second reading, Paul prays for the Thessalonians to increase in love and to live in holiness. This message is important as we begin Advent. We are called to love more and live better lives.
Paul’s prayer reminds us to focus on our relationships. Increasing in love means caring for others, helping those in need, and showing kindness. These actions reflect God’s love in our lives. By loving more, we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming.
Living in holiness means following God’s teachings. It means avoiding sin and striving to do what is right. Paul urges us to live in ways that please God. This can be challenging, but it is important for our spiritual growth. Holiness helps us to be ready for Jesus.
As we start Advent, the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C encourages us to examine our lives. Are we growing in love? Are we living in holiness? By focusing on these themes, we can prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and deepen our faith.
Watchfulness and Prayer
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C reminds us to be watchful and prayerful. Jesus warns about signs in the sun, moon, and stars. These signs can seem scary, but Jesus tells us not to be afraid. Instead, we should stand tall because our redemption is near. This teaches us to be ready for Jesus’ return.
Being watchful means staying alert and paying attention to how we live. We should avoid things that distract us from God. Instead, we should focus on prayer and good deeds. Jesus calls us to live in a way that pleases God. This makes us ready for His coming.
Prayer is a key theme in the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C. Jesus urges us to pray for strength to face challenges. Prayer helps us stay connected to God and strong in our faith. It reminds us that we need God’s help every day. By praying, we grow closer to Him and prepare our hearts for Jesus’ return.
As we begin Advent, the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C encourages us to reflect on our lives. Are we living in a way that honors God? Are we watchful and prayerful? By focusing on these themes, we can prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and grow in our faith.
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C invites us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming through trust, love, holiness, and vigilance. As we reflect on these themes, let us open our hearts to God’s guidance and strive to live in a way that pleases Him. May this Advent season bring us closer to God and ready our hearts for the birth of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be watchful and prayerful, to grow in love and holiness, and to trust in Your promises. Guide us through this Advent season as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
- How can I be more watchful and vigilant in my daily life?
- What distractions do I need to avoid to stay focused on God?
- How can I increase in love for those around me?
- In what ways can I live a holier life that pleases God?
- How can I strengthen my prayer life during Advent?
- What does trusting in God’s promises mean to me personally?
- How can I find hope in God’s promises during difficult times?
- In what ways can I help others recognize the Kingdom of God?
- How can I better prepare my heart for the coming of Jesus?
- What steps can I take to deepen my faith this Advent season?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Advent invites us to prepare ourselves for Christmas, welcoming Jesus without fear. If we open wide the doors of our life, everything takes on a new light and our family, work, suffering, health, friendship, become opportunities to discover His consoling presence.
Pope Francis
Music Suggestions for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
Sunday December 1, 2024
These music selections capture the themes of hope, preparation, and anticipation from the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C. They call us to wake up and be ready for the coming of Christ, echoing the prophetic call to prepare the way. Some songs reflect on waiting with expectant hearts, while others remind us of God’s promises and faithfulness. They invite us to lift our souls to the Lord, trust in His guidance, and stay vigilant for His return. Together, these hymns and songs set a reflective and hopeful tone for the Advent season.
- All People That on Earth Do Dwell
- Awake to the Day by Ed Bolduc
- Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo
- Christians, Let Us Love One Another by Claudia Foltz
- Come, Emmanuel by Trevor Thomson
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
- Creator of the Stars by Marty Haugen
- Find Us Ready by Tom Booth
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence by Daughters of St. Paul
- Love Unfolding by Josh Blakesley
- My Soul in Stillness Waits by Marty Haugen
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Lauren Daigle
- Our God Is Near by Doug Slater
- Prepare the Way by Passion
- Psalm 25: I Lift Up My Soul by Tim Manion
- Psalm 25: To You, O Lord by Scott Soper
- Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan
- Soon and Very Soon by Andrae Crouch
- The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns by Randall Debruyn & John Brownlie
- To You, O God, I Lift My Soul by Bob Hurd
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider incorporating them into their Advent services. Trying out these pieces can help set a meaningful tone for the season. Feel free to share your own favorite Advent hymns and songs in the comments to inspire and support others in their preparations.
Questions and Answers for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C
What date is the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C?
The next date is Sunday December 1, 2024.
For other years see the links below:
1st Sunday of Advent Year A
1st Sunday of Advent Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday December 1, 2024 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 33:14-16: The Lord’s Promise of Justice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: Trust in the Lord
Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2: Abound in Love and Holiness
Gospel – Luke 21:25-28, 34-36: Be Ready for the Coming of the Son of Man
What does Jeremiah 33:14-16, the first reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C, talk about?
It talks about God’s promise to bring justice and righteousness through a righteous branch from David’s line. This reminds us that God keeps His promises.
Why is the “righteous branch” important?
The “righteous branch” represents Jesus, who comes from David’s family. He brings justice and righteousness, fulfilling God’s promise.
What is Paul praying for in 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 the second reading for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C?
Paul prays for the Thessalonians’ love to increase and for them to live holy lives. This shows us the importance of growing in love and living according to God’s will.
How can we “increase in love” like Paul prays for?
We can increase in love by helping others, being kind, and praying for one another. This helps us become more like Jesus.
What does Paul mean by “live in holiness”?
To live in holiness means to follow God’s teachings and avoid sin. It means living a life that pleases God.
Why does Jesus talk about signs in Luke 21:25-28, the Gospel for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C?
Jesus talks about signs to remind us to stay watchful and ready for His return. We need to be alert and faithful.
What does “stay watchful” mean in our daily lives?
Staying watchful means praying, reading the Bible, and living according to God’s teachings. It means being ready for Jesus’ return at any time.
Why does Jesus say to “pray for strength”?
Jesus says to pray for strength to help us face challenges and remain faithful. Prayer gives us the power to stay strong in our faith.
How do the readings on the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C prepare us for Advent?
They remind us of God’s promises, the importance of love and holiness, and the need to be watchful and prayerful. This prepares our hearts for Jesus’ coming.
What is the main message of the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C?
The main message is to trust in God’s promises, grow in love, live holy lives, and be watchful and prayerful. This helps us prepare for Jesus’ coming.
A Season of Hope
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C marks the start of a new liturgical year. It is a time of preparation, as we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth at Christmas and His return at the end of time. The readings for this Sunday remind us of God’s promises, call us to holiness, and encourage us to stay watchful.
In the first reading, Jeremiah speaks about God’s promise to send a righteous leader from David’s line. This leader will bring safety and justice to Judah and Jerusalem. The reading offers hope and assurance that God keeps His promises. It encourages us to trust that God is working for good, even when we face uncertain times.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians calls for love and holiness. Paul prays that love may grow among the Thessalonians, urging them to live in ways that please God. This is a reminder that Advent is a time not only of waiting but also of growing in love and goodness.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about signs of His coming and the need to stay alert. He warns His disciples not to be weighed down by distractions or worries. Instead, they should watch and pray, keeping their focus on God. This call to watchfulness is central to Advent, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming.
Your Turn
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C invites us to begin this season with hope and readiness. Reflect on the readings and consider how you can grow in love, holiness, and watchfulness.
How do you stay prepared for Christ’s coming? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you keep hope alive in your daily life.
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