Friday, December 16, 2022

Advent Reading for Friday, Week 3 (December 16, 2022)

 



The Season of Advent prepares us for Christ's coming--both on Christmas Day and when we comes again in glory.  This year, we will spend each week exploring a different way we can prepare ourselves.  The post for each day will include a scripture, a song, a few brief questions to reflect upon, and a prayer. 

 

Week 3 Reminder

The 3rd Sunday of Advent is often referred to as Gaudete Sunday (or Joy Sunday).  Gaudete is the Latin word for "rejoice."  From a theological perspective, to rejoice doesn't mean pretending to be happy. For a longer exploration of joy, refer back to the reading, for Sunday, Dec. 4.


Scripture

Luke 1:67-79

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us
    in the house of his child David,
70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71     that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors
    and has remembered his holy covenant,
73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us 74     that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness
    in his presence all our days.
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give his people knowledge of salvation
    by the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
    the dawn from on high will break upon us,
79 to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

 (NRSVUE)

 

Hymn






Questions

Zechariah’s song proclaims his his son John will pave the way for Jesus to fulfill God's promises by letting people know that salvation is coming. 

  • Have you noticed signs that God's promises are about to be fulfilled and that salvation is coming into being? 
  • How might you share that joyful news with others?


Prayer

Christ, help us tell the world about the joy we find in the salvation you bring.  Amen.

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