Advent Readings & Ideas

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let thy bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and
the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126 (or Luke 1:47-55)
I Thess. 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Visit the Advent Calendar for weekday readings.

Scripture readings for the day — Psalm 85:7-13 and I Kings 21:1-7. I am particularly drawn to the wonderful boldness in the language of Eugene Peterson’s The Message, which puts verse 7 of the Psalm this way:

Show us how much you love us, GOD! Give us the salvation we need!

This season, more than any other I can recall, has an atmosphere of expectancy and impatience to it. “Let the birthing that we anticipate hurry on.” And yet, we must prepare for the arrival. There seems to be a narrow path that preserves us from the discontent of other people’s thinking. So, I take some time for a video meditation. Peace, be still.

Merciful God, who sent thy messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
II Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8

Visit the Advent Calendar for suggested weekday readings.