Scripture: John 18:37
“So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”
Thought for the Day: Why purple? It’s a good question – why do we use the color purple to decorate during the season of Advent? There are many reasons, some connected to legends, but the birth of Jesus was understood as a royal birth in the bloodline of King David. Purple is the color of kings, and though Jesus grew up to be a very different king, people of faith have and will continue to declare him as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Purple is also a liturgical color that signifies reflection and contemplation. We use it during Advent and the season of Lent, times when people are invited to be a bit more introspective. During the season of Advent we are to look within ourselves and ask how we might better prepare ourselves for the arrival of the infant king. Today we will light the first candle on the Advent Wreath. The color of the candle is purple and its light will invite us to look into the shadowy places of our own lives and ask, “Is there room in the inn for Jesus my king?”
Prayer: With each day in this Advent Season, I wish to prepare for your arrival, O Lord of Life. May my heart be like a throne where the Christ child can reign with love and compassion. Amen.
TODAY’S SERMON
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
