This Week’s Lectionary Scripture First Sunday of Advent (Joy)1 Advent is a season of waiting in expectation for the coming of light into a darkened world in the form of the infant Jesus. Advent is spent anticipating and spiritually preparing for the arrival of the Christ-child. Scriptures, symbols, and hymns help make Advent a time of expectation for Christ’s birth, rather than a frenzy of holiday tasks. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13: Joy before Us How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?