The ELCA has created a series of four Advent devotions entitled “Liberated by God’s Grace” for each of the four Sundays in Advent.  Here is the link for the devotion for the Second Sunday, December 4.

Advent Devotion 2

Bishop Eaton notes that “churches shaped by the 16th century reformations—the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America all participate in a ministry of reconciliation.” Over fifteen years ago, these churches’ respective full communion agreements inaugurated new relationships.  Bishop Eaton says, “We are committed to working together toward reconciliation—of the church, and of the deepest social ills that plague our world. It is our hope, together with you, to be signs of anticipation—of the “already, but not yet” of God’s realm of reconciliation, justice, and peace. In this spirit we have prepared a series of devotions for the season of Advent…”

The four Sundays of the season of Advent begin on Sunday, November 27, when we “foresee” the coming of Jesus. The liturgical color is blue, the color of hope, reflected in our paraments and weavings.  An Advent wreath is placed at the front of the sanctuary.  Its circle of four candles, with one additional candle lit each Sunday, communicates the coming of the light of Christ into the world.    Advent midweek services are held on Wednesdays, November 30, December 7 and December 14 at 5:30 pm.  During this darkest time of the year, we gather to sing Holden Evening Prayer and reflect upon the theme, Hope is Born in the Dark.

The ELCA has created a series of Advent devotions for each of the four Sundays in Advent.  They can be accessed using this link.
2016 Advent Devotions       Paper copies are also available for pick-up.