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Readings and Reflections for the Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 Dear Friends, This Sunday of Advent combines the themes of anticipatory joy with the coming of the powerful Messiah who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire! The prophet Zephaniah calls on the people of Israel, who have lived in exile and defeat, to rejoice in anticipation of the …Read MoreReadings and Reflections for the Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 Dear Friends, The prophet Malachi declares the coming of a messenger to prepare the way for God’s judgment. The impact will be like fire and soap to cleanse and restore the priesthood of Israel to serve God rightly. Luke’s Gospel describes the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepares …Read More
The Season of Advent
All around us we see signs of Christmas; stores are decorated, shows and commercials on television have gone to Christmas themes, Christmas Tree stands are up and the black Friday sales have begun. For the secular world, Christmas is here in full force and it isn’t even December first yet. …Read MoreReadings and Reflections for the First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Dear Friends, The prophet Jeremiah looks forward to a time when the Lord will restore the defeated Northern Kingdom of Israel and reform the corrupt Southern Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem). This will take place through the person of a descendant of King David. Today’s reading from Luke’s Gospel contains …Read MoreReadings and Reflections for the Last Sunday After Pentecost
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 93 Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37 Dear Friends, The verses from Daniel 7 give us an image of God, the Ancient of Days, sitting in judgment. “One like a son of man” is presented to God and is given rule over all the peoples of the earth. Christians will …Read More