The texts for Sunday, December 7/Saturday Dec 13 invite us to prepare the way of the Lord. This phrase is prominent for the Prophet Isaiah, who proclaimed that God would gather Israel, who had been scattered among the nations, and lead them home. It is also prominent for John the Baptizer, who prepared the way for Jesus. But what is it we are preparing for? In the readings for readings for Sunday, November 30 we are given traumatic images of the coming of the Lord – the heavens torn open, the sun and moon go dark, stars fall from the sky the mountains shake. But in Isaiah 40 we prepare to receive God’s comfort, to hear God’s tender voice. In Psalm 85 we hear that righteousness and peace are close at hand. How do the passages below that prepare us for the Sunday texts, and how do they help us hold together the tension between the earth-shattering and the comforting nature of the God for whose presence we wait?
This blog format is designed for interaction, so please share any thoughts, insights, or struggles you have with these readings. The listed readings are all linked to an online Bible, so you can share in these readings whether a Bible is close by or not.
Thursday 12/4
Hosea 6:1-6
I Thessalonians 1:2-10
Friday 12/5
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Acts 11:19-26
Saturday 12/6
Ezekiel 36:24-28
Mark 11:27-33
Read Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 each day
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2 comments:
As someone who finds it challenging to read the Bible daily, I really appreciate this blog, Ed. It was a joy to discover the beauty and poetry of Psalm 85. Thanks!
I agree with Bruce. This is a great format for keeping in touch, studying together and preparing for advent. The scriptures sure emphasize being prepared and not waiting too late. This is great advice for advent and life in general!
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