Advent 1: Who Is This Jesus?
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year—a season of anticipation, preparation, and hope. Advent, from the Latin adventus (“coming”), reminds us of three comings of Christ:
- His first coming in humility at Bethlehem.
- His present coming in Word and Sacrament.
- His future coming in glory to judge and renew all things.
Why Matthew 21 on Advent 1?
The Gospel for this day often surprises people: Matthew 21:1–13, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Isn’t that Palm Sunday? Yes—but its placement here is intentional. Advent begins by proclaiming the King who comes. The Church wants us to see Jesus not only as the child in the manger but as the sovereign Lord who enters His city to save.
The crowd asked, “Who is this?” That question frames Advent. Who is this Jesus? What does His coming mean for us today?
Historical Roots of Advent
Advent developed in the Western Church around the 4th–6th centuries, originally as a season of fasting and penitence similar to Lent. It was tied to preparation for baptism at Epiphany and later became associated with Christmas. By the Middle Ages, Advent had four Sundays, each with its own theme:
Hope (Christ’s coming in glory)
Peace
Joy
Love
The First Sunday traditionally emphasizes watchfulness and judgment—not to frighten us, but to awaken us. The King is coming; are we ready?
Liturgical Symbols
- Color: Purple or blue, signifying penitence and royalty.
- Wreath: The Advent wreath, with its first candle of hope, reminds us that light shines in darkness.
- Music: Hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” echo Israel’s longing and our own.
Theological Depth
Advent is not passive waiting. It is active hope—a call to repentance, faith, and joyful expectation. The King who came in humility will come again in glory. His entry into Jerusalem foreshadows His final triumph.
Practical Reflection
As you light the first candle, ask:
- Where do I need Christ’s light in my life?
- How can I prepare my heart for His coming?
- Who around me needs hope this season?
Advent begins with a question: “Who is this?” Scripture answers:
“Behold, your King is coming to you.”
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
Let us welcome Him—not only at Christmas but every day, and ultimately at His return.
Suggested Scripture Readings
These are traditional lectionary readings for the First Sunday of Advent:
- Old Testament: Isaiah 64:1–9 – “Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down…”
- Psalm: Psalm 80:1–7 – “Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we may be saved.”
- Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 – “You wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
- Gospel: Mark 13:24–37 – “Stay awake—for you do not know when the time will come.”
(Alternate Gospel in some traditions: Matthew 21:1–13 for the triumphal entry theme.)
Prayers for Advent 1
Collect (Traditional):
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Personal Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as we begin this Advent season, awaken my heart to Your coming. Teach me to watch and wait with hope, to repent where I have wandered, and to rejoice in Your promises. Come, Lord Jesus—into my life, my home, and this world. Amen.