We find ourselves again beginning a new Christian year with Advent. This year the lectionary finds us in Cycle A. In this episode Ruth helps us prepare for advent with an invitation to use this season as actual space to practice sabbath keeping. She shares some of the greater themes we find in Advent and helps connect them to what we’ve explored in our understanding of the sabbath. Finally, she closes with some reflections on a poem by David Adam. 
 
Our hope is that this episode helps prepare your heart for Advent. While we will not be releasing weekly episodes during Advent this year, we invite you to return to season 8 of the podcast Advent and Christmas Reflections (Cycle A) which walks through the Cycle A scriptures. Additionally, we will be providing weekly guidance, which will include spiritual practices, to our patrons. Sign up at the $10 level to ensure you receive every weekly offering.



Cycle A Scripture:
Week 1
Isaiah 2:1-5   
 Psalm 122  
 Romans 13:11-14  
 Matthew 24:36-44

 
Week 2
Isaiah 11:1-10   
 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19  
 Romans 15:4-13  
 Matthew 3:1-12

 
Week 3
Isaiah 35:1-10   
 Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55  
 James 5:7-10  
 Matthew 11:2-11

 
Week 4
Isaiah 7:10-16  
 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19  
 Romans 1:1-7  
 Matthew 1:18-25

 
Christmas Eve and Christmastide
Isaiah 9:2-7  
 Psalm 96  
 Titus 2:11-14  
 Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

 
Also mentioned in the episode
Eternal Seasons: A Liturgical Journey with Henri J.M. Nouwen ed by Michael Ford
Tides and Seasons: Modern Prayers in the Celtic Tradition by David Adam
 
Music Credit:
Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist
O Come O Come Emmanuel from Transforming Center Resource Advent Music in Solitude
 
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