Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love

Today is a very unique Sunday for the liturgical church.  It is both the fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve.  So this morning, we relight the candles of hope, peace, and joy and light the candle of love for the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Today's Gospel reading from Luke, we hear the story of how the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to announce the birth of the Messiah to Mary.  Gabriel tells Mary that she is highly favored by God and that she will bear a son and his name will be Jesus.  One of the most recognized carols for this part of the Christmas story is the Basque Carol, "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came."  I hope you'll take some time today to find the broadcast of the Kings College Choir's "Service of Lessons and Carols" and experience the story in its completeness.  

Thank you, Lord, for sending the Angel Gabriel to Mary, and for telling her to not be frightened.  Thank you for Mary's willingness to be God's servant and do His will and become the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Lord, may we all answer your call to be obedient to You so that we may say, "Lord, I am Your servant.  May Your Word be fulfilled through me."  Amen.

To finish your journey with me along this Advent road to Bethlehem, click here to view my "4th Sunday of Advent-Year B" Devotional Booklet.

Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

Today is the third Sunday of Advent.  We relight the candles of Hope and Peace and light the candle of Joy.  We see the joy that is a part of this season of preparation.  We enter into it with gladdened hearts and take delight in the promises that we have been given.  Our joy is expressed as we wait for something that we know is greatly appreciated and valued.  And that thing is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

O God of Peace, who gives us abundant joy; through the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, keep us blameless, that we might always joyfully give thanks through our prayers; this we ask through your sanctifying grace.  Amen.

To join me along this Advent road to Bethlehem, click here to view my "3rd Sunday of Advent-Year B" Devotional Booklet.

Come back next Sunday for the 4th Sunday of Advent.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace

Today is the second Sunday of Advent.  We relight the Candle of Hope as we continue to wait in anticipation for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  And together, in one accord, we light the Candle of Peace.  The Psalter Reading for today (Psalm 85:8) tells us,“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants.”  In Ruth Elaine Schram's anthem, "Jesus Is Our Christmas Peace," we are told to remember that "though tumult rages all around, the Savior's peace can still be found.  Peace.  Jesus is our Christmas Peace." 

So today, light the Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace.  Continue to find time during your busy week to find your quiet center.  And spend some time reading the Scriptures, discerning God's word, and praying that God will show you the PEACE that passes all understanding that is found through the manger at the birth of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Our Righteous Lord, whose timing is precise and leads us towards salvation.  On this Second Sunday of Advent, grant us patience, that we might live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the day of your coming; through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

To join me along this Advent road to Bethlehem, click here to view my "2nd Sunday of Advent-Year B" Devotional Booklet.  And e-mail me at joyfuljoan1955@gmail.com, and I will send you the pdf files for the two activities that are included in this week's devotional booklet.

Come back next Sunday for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

First Sunday of Advent - Hope

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  We wait in hope.  In hopeful anticipation for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The New Testament Lectionary Reading for today tells us, “Be on guard! Be alert!  You do not know when that time will come.”  Just as we attentively watch for signs in nature of the changing of the seasons, we must also pay attention and watch for the signs of the return of the Messiah.  We must be alert.

I hope you'll join me this week in taking some time to find your quiet center and spend some time reading the Scriptures, discerning God's word, and praying that God will show you the HOPE that he gives us for eternal life through his son, Jesus Christ.  

To join me along this Advent road to Bethlehem, click here to view my "1st Sunday in Advent - Year B" Devotional Booklet.

And come back next Sunday for the 2nd Sunday in Advent.

Open our eyes and our ears, O God of  Hope, that, during this season of Advent, we might gaze upon you as we wait for the coming of your Son, our Advocate, Jesus Christ.  Amen.