Series Introduction:

Advent is a special time that calls us to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the world's celebrations, Advent invites us to take a step back and contemplate timeless truths. As we journey through the Psalms, we will uncover the profound connection between the Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment of God's plan in the New Testament. We will travel the path of expectation, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, just as the prophets and people of old did. These Psalms will be like beacons of light, illuminating our hearts and helping us rediscover the wonder of Christ's birth, rekindle the flames of our faith, and embrace the true spirit of this season. 

Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 122: 1-9, ESV: 

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather on this sacred first Sunday of Advent, we come before You with gratitude and anticipation. As we embark on this season, we yearn for Your divine guidance. May our hearts be like Bethlehem, receptive and humble, ready to receive the precious gift of Your presence. Lead us into a deeper understanding of Your love and grace as we explore the Psalms of Advent. May this time be a season of genuine reflection, transformation, and drawing closer to You. Help us to maintain the stillness and reverence that this season deserves amidst the world's celebration. We open our hearts to the message of hope, peace, joy, and love that the Psalms convey. Amen.

Introduction:

As we gather here today, we are surrounded by the bustling energy of a world eager for Christmas. The streets are alive with twinkling lights, the sound of carols fills the air, and the race for holiday shopping is well underway. But let us not forget that we, as a church, march to a different rhythm. Today, we embark on a journey that explores the contrast between our chosen path and the world's well-trodden trail. So, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the true meaning of this season. Let us embrace the joy and hope that comes from the birth of our Savior.

 

This psalm starts with the words: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" (Psalm 122:1). It invites us to draw closer to our Creator and experience the boundless love and grace that emanate from His divine presence. But let's be honest, sometimes worship can feel like a chore. We might find ourselves physically present, but our minds and hearts are elsewhere, caught up in the busyness and distractions of everyday life.  Yet, deep down, we all yearn for something more.

 

This is where Advent comes in. It's a time to slow down, to reflect, and to draw closer to God. Amidst the chaos and frenzy of the holiday season, Advent offers a moment of stillness and contemplation. It's a time to remember the true essence of Christmas - the birth of Jesus, the embodiment of love, and the wellspring of everlasting hope. As we embark on this spiritual journey, let's embrace the adventure with open hearts and eager spirits. Let's cast aside our doubts and fears and immerse ourselves in the beauty and wonder of God's love. Let's allow His grace to transform us from the inside out, so that we may become beacons of hope in a world that so desperately needs it. 

Ascending to the City of Peace

In the Old Testament, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was revered as the physical embodiment of God's presence. But as we approach the Advent season, we're reminded of a beautiful truth: that God, in his infinite love and boundless humility, chose to descend from the heavens and live among us. 

For generations, humanity had yearned for a Savior, someone who could bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap between God and us. And in the quiet town of Bethlehem, that Savior was born. Jesus, the divine Son of God, left the splendors of eternity behind to embrace the humility of earthly existence. He became Immanuel, "God with us."

Just as families eagerly anticipate the arrival of loved ones in their homes, there is a parallel eagerness that permeates our souls as we approach the Lord's Day—a day consecrated for communal worship. Similar to ancient pilgrims ascending hills to reach sacred destinations, our hearts ascend in anticipation, recognizing that within the walls of God's house, a divine encounter awaits.

Within the unity of the body of Christ, we discover a connection that surpasses the bonds of blood and friendship. The worship gathering becomes the crescendo of our week, a moment when our collective praises rise harmoniously. It is a time when the individual notes of our lives blend seamlessly into the symphony of worship, echoing through the sanctuary and reverberating toward the very throne of the Almighty.

In the ancient days of Israel, it was found in the sacred precincts of the Temple of the Lord. For us, as followers of Christ, our joy in worship is anchored in our unwavering faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a faith that is empowered by the divine presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

The words of the Apostle Paul, inscribed in his letter to the Romans, serve as a radiant testament to this joy:

"For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.'

And again it is said, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.'

And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.'

And again Isaiah says, 'The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.'

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:8-13, ESV).

When we, as the unified body of Christ, gather in the sacred space of worship, we are granted a remarkable opportunity to savor a glimpse of heavenly joy. It is a time when, both as individuals and as a cohesive community, we draw near to the Father, fortified by our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, all under the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit. In worship, we unearth not only joy but also an inexhaustible wellspring of hope that flows within us. It is the God of hope who fills us with His divine presence, guiding our hearts and sustaining us on our spiritual journey through life.

Genuine Worship:

But how do we discern whether our worship is truly an act of drawing near to God?

 

First and foremost, authentic worship is characterized by a profound sense of awe and reverence. 

 

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!” (Psalm 96:9, ESV)

 

Picture the Israelites as they approached the majestic temple in Jerusalem. They did so with hearts filled with humility, recognizing the sacredness of the moment. In a similar vein, our worship should note the weight of God's holiness. Genuine worship humbles us, for it is in this humility that we draw near to the One who is holy and beyond compare.

 

Secondly, authentic worship stirs our hearts to praise and thanksgiving. When we gather in His name, our worship becomes an outpouring of gratitude for the extraordinary gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17, ESV). 

 

Genuine worship is more than just reciting words or performing rituals. It is a moment when our lips and hearts come together to sing songs of adoration in perfect harmony. In these sacred moments, our gratitude goes beyond the surface level and becomes an outpouring of love for our Savior. We praise Him for His infinite grace, boundless love, and redeeming work in our lives.

 

Lastly, genuine worship leads us to encounter the living Word of God and compels us to respond in obedience and humble service: 

 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

 

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV)

 

The Word of God is not static but a living and dynamic force, illuminating our path and guiding our steps. In worship, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the richness of His Word, allowing it to illuminate our faith journey. Through Scripture, we come to know Him intimately, and His Word becomes a living testament to His unfailing love.

 

Our encounter with the presence of God ignites a fervent desire to live out our faith in our daily lives. It motivates us to love our neighbors, to extend grace and mercy, and to become instruments of God's peace and justice in a world that yearns for His light. 

 

He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)

 

Authentic worship is not confined to the walls of a sanctuary; it extends into the very fabric of our existence. It transforms us into vessels of His love, prompting us to be ambassadors of His kingdom here on earth.

 

In this season of Advent, let us rediscover the joy of going to God's house, not as a mere obligation but as a profound privilege. Let us prepare for each Lord's Day with prayer, delight, and expectation, allowing this sacred time of corporate worship to be a highlight of our week, a source of spiritual nourishment, and a moment when we draw closer to the heart of God.

 

Let us develop a sense of joy and enthusiasm towards participating in corporate worship. We should remember that it is a great privilege to come together with our fellow believers and be part of a community of faith that stretches across generations and transcends barriers. Just as the Israelites looked forward to their pilgrimages to Jerusalem, we should also look forward to our gatherings with a sense of hope and expectancy. We can come with open hearts, ready to encounter the living God and be transformed by His presence.

Balancing the Beauty and Brokenness

Psalm 122 paints a breathtaking picture of Jerusalem, a city that embodies the true meaning of peace and unity.  But, let us not forget the harsh realities that Jerusalem has faced. The city has borne witness to periods of destruction and exile. Despite all its might, the walls of Jerusalem crumbled, and the thrones of its kings lay in ruins. The ancient prophets resound with lamentation over the city's tragic descent into corruption, violence, and idolatry. Yet, Jerusalem has persevered. It rose up from the ashes, and its people rebuilt the city again and again with faith and determination.

During the Advent season, reflecting on Jerusalem reminds us to celebrate hope, peace, joy, and love in a world that is often marred by despair, conflict, suffering, and hatred. The world cries out for peace, and during this season, we remember the triumphant arrival of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

In this season of Advent, we are called to embrace the profound truth that the peace brought by Jesus is not subject to the fluctuations of worldly circumstances. He came to reconcile humanity with God, to mend the shattered fragments of existence, and to weave them together into a tapestry of everlasting peace that knows no geographical boundaries and endures for all eternity. His birth marked the commencement of a peace that surpasses human understanding, ever inviting humanity to reconcile with the divine.

The psalmist's yearning lies in the well-being of the house of the Lord, where worship, righteousness, justice, and mercy converge in divine harmony. The true worth of Jerusalem, in the eyes of the psalmist, does not lie in its political power, military might, or strategic significance. Instead, its value is rooted in its sacred role as a sanctuary. It is a sanctuary where the Almighty God dwells, and humanity encounters the Divine. It is a place where lives are transformed and the eternal truths of faith find expression.

However, the physical walls of a temple or the boundaries of any city or nation cannot confine God's presence. His peace transcends all human-made distinctions, surpassing the limitations of geography and politics. 

 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’ (Acts 7:48-49, ESV)

In the new Jerusalem, envisioned by the psalmist, God's radiant glory is an impenetrable protection shield. The walls that once divided God's beloved family based on race, land, or political ideologies have been utterly shattered by the unifying power of Christ, who is our peace, as we are reminded in Ephesians 2:14:

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." - Ephesians 2:14, ESV

Our purpose, therefore, is to become living embodiments of the peace we have received from our Creator and to generously share it with the world. When people say, "Let us go to the house of the LORD," it signifies more than a mere physical journey. It is an act of worship, a profound encounter with the Lord, a heartfelt prayer, and a jubilant offering of praise.

Through this sacred act of worship, our lives are transformed, and our hearts are infused with a fervent desire to care for others, to intercede on their behalf in prayer, and to work tirelessly for their well-being. This labor of love becomes nothing less than the sacred work of peace, a divine calling that molds the world according to the radiant hope God has so generously bestowed upon us.

Conclusion:

As we embark on yet another Advent pilgrimage, let us recognize that this sacred journey is more than a mere tradition; it is a profound opportunity to reassess our lives, to reflect on the path we've walked, and to chart a course toward the Divine. Through the pillars of pilgrimage, praise, prayer, and purpose, the psalmist's timeless wisdom reminds us that we are forever engaged in an act of new creation.

In the spirit of Psalm 122, let us ascend into the presence of the Divine, embracing the profound longing, unity, and peace that our faith offers. In a world marred by conflict and suffering, may we, as Christians, rise to the challenge and become peacemakers, embodying the timeless message of the Prince of Peace. His birth in Bethlehem resounded with the eternal promise of reconciliation and everlasting peace—a promise that we, in our Advent pilgrimage, continue to carry forward.

So let us journey onward with hearts filled with hope, courage, and the unwavering belief that through our actions, we can be bearers of God's peace. May this Advent pilgrimage be a transformative experience, one that draws us ever closer to the Divine and compels us to shine brightly as beacons of hope, love, and peace in a world yearning for the light of Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the wisdom and truth found in Your Word, especially in the Psalms of Advent. We are grateful for this sacred season that offers a contrast to the consumer-driven frenzy of the world. As we embark on this Advent journey, let our hearts be ready to receive the gift of Your divine presence. Help us to be peacemakers and bearers of Your love to a world in need. Let the lessons from the Psalms of Advent continue to resonate within us, and may we carry the message of Your peace into the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.