Sun
Dec 7
am: 85, 148,149,150
pm: 114, 115
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-9
Matt 3:1-12
Second Sunday of Advent: On this Second Sunday, we light the second candle on the Advent wreath, reflecting on the theme of peace and focusing on the “Prince of Peace” (Jesus) bringing deep, lasting harmony Shalom, beyond just absence of conflict, calling believers to prepare for Christ’s arrival by cultivating inner peace and working for justice in the world, building on the first week’s theme of hope. .
BIBLICAL MEDITATION Today’s lessons come from the Eucharist for today, and we give special consideration to the reading from the Prophet Isaiah. AS we consider Isaiah’s vision for a “utopia” where a righteous ruler brings perfect justice with perfect peace, this can be an image and message that is hard for man from the Congo to Chicago, as many people do not see a vision of genuine equity. We are reminded that the ideal ruler is to offer governance that cuts through the bitter partisan divide, establishing systems where laws are applied fairly, regardless of one’s wealth or influence. Isaiah again calls for restorative justice, where the fractured relationships between communities and between citizens and law enforcement are healed, and historical harms are acknowledged and repaired. This vision, dating back centuries before the birth of the King of Kings, was a bold call to nations then and is the same now. It is a vision that moves beyond merely managing crises to achieving a complete restoration of the promise of grace, peace, liberty, integrity, and justice for all. A world where lamb and lion harbor no animosity. A vision that is truly that of the Christian
PRAYER: “O God, our hope and our strength, we look to You as the prophet Isaiah foretold. Send forth the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord, to rest upon our leaders, our communities, and upon us, your people. Amen.
Spiritual DISCIPLINE: Did you know that today that thousands of Palestinian Christians are homeless street children, many of whom are Christians. Their voices crying out in the wilderness go unheard. Perhaps this Christmas, those in the West could make a spiritual change and consider giving in this season to those who live in the land where Christ was born. Certainly, we should take time to pray for them as they seek to be people in a place where the Lion and the Lamb may lie in peace. Go to https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/stories/helping-palestinian-christians-gaza-israel?
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Though there are very many nations all over the earth, …there are no more than two kinds of human society, which we may justly call two cities, …one consisting of those who live according to man, the other of those who live according to God ….To the City of Man belong the enemies of God, …so inflamed with hatred against the City of God”. St. Augustine
from The City of God
A SONG OF THE HEART, SONG FOR THE SEASON – Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Advent Meditations: Sunday 7 December
