Opening Song:Ancient of Days by Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich ThompsonLyrics:Though the nations rageKingdoms rise and fallThere is still one KingReigning over allSo I will not fearFor this truth remainsThat my God is the Ancient of DaysNone above Him none before HimAll of time in His handsFor His throne it shall remain and ever standAll the power all the gloryI will trust in His nameFor my God is the Ancient of daysThough the dread of nightOverwhelms my soulHe is here with meI am not aloneO His love is sureAnd He knows my nameFor my God is the Ancient of DaysThough I may not seeWhat the future bringsI will watch and waitFor the Saviour kingThen my joy completeStanding face to faceIn the presence of the Ancient of DaysFor my God is the Ancient of DaysPassage: 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; 25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 He will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.28 “Learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize that he is near—at the door.30 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.32 “Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—but only the Father.33 “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.34 “It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his servants, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. 35 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know when the master of the house is coming—whether in the evening or at midnight or at the crowing of the rooster or early in the morning. 36 Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!”(Mark Musical Reflection: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, tune by Rowland Hugh PrichardReflection Notes: This jubilant Advent text was written by the well-known hymn writer, Charles Wesley. While several tunes have been used over the years, one of the most popular for the Advent season is HYFRIDOL, a lilting Welsh melody composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard in the early nineteenth century. Prayer:Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.