Readings and Reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) Dear Friends, The prophet Micah describes the coming of a new ruler from Bethlehem, who will restore Israel and “stand and feed his flock.” Luke tells…
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…
Readings 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…
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…
Readings 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…
Readings 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…
Readings and Reflections for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-25 Mark 13:1-8 1 Samuel contains the “Song of Hannah”. Hannah receives the gift of a firstborn son, and expresses her gratitude and amazement at the…
Readings and Reflections for the Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 17:8-16 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 Dear Friends, 1 Kings 17 tells the story of the prophet Elijah, who is sent by the Lord to the home of a poor…
Readings and Reflections for the Sunday After All Saints Day
Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 Dear Friends, The prophet Isaiah looks forward to a time when God fulfills all promises and brings all people into the great banquet that…
Readings and Reflections for the Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost
Jeremiah 31:7-9 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52 Dear Friends, The prophet Jeremiah speaks word of hope to a conquered people, living as captives in a foreign land. God will bring them all back home…