VERSE: “ALLELUIA! Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight; all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ALLELUIA!” (Lk. 3:4b, 6; VERSE)
Meditate on and learn by heart the hymn marked with an asterisk (*).
The psalmist calls on the entire earth to praise God for the powerful deliverance he worked for Israel. Calling to mind the redemption from slavery in Egypt, the psalmist draws the conclusion that though God uses hardship and testing to refine and purify his people, he nevertheless keeps his promises and brings his people “to a place of abundance.” God grant us to trust his faithfulness even in the midst of hardship and testing.
In response to the LORD’s prophesy about the coming of Jesus (and his predecessor, John) the prophet raises two questions: “Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears?” The answer is only those whom the LORD has prepared, who have repented and have been purified through forgiveness. By his grace they will be ready to greet him and offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving forever. May he make each of us ready!
St. Paul overflows with love and gratitude for the Christians of Philippi, who have been his faithful partners in ministry. Notice how his thanksgiving turns so naturally into prayer that they would be preserved in the faith until Christ returns. That is the focus of Paul’s hope, the focal point of all Christian faith: Christ’s return in glory and our inclusion with him. May he who has begun his good work in us carry it on to completion in that day!
John the Baptizer, God’s messenger to prepare the world for Christ’s coming, begins his work. He calls sinners to fill and level and straighten and smooth so that they are ready for the Lord. The Lord prepares us for his coming by working sorrow and repentance in our hearts through his Law so that when he comes he will not be an angry Judge, but rather a gracious Savior to us. May we be part of the salvation revealed on that day!
| Monday | Isaiah 8:9-9:7 | 1 Peter 4:1-19 |
| Tuesday | Isaiah 9:8-10:11 | 1 Peter 5:1-14 |
| Wednesday | Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34 | 2 Peter 1:1-21 |
| Thursday | Isaiah 11:1-12:6 | 2 Peter 2:1-22 |
| Friday | Isaiah 14:1-23 | 2 Peter 3:1-18 |
| Saturday | Isaiah 24:1-13 | 1 John 1:1-2:14 |
| Sunday | Isaiah 24:14-25:12 | 1 John 2:15-29 |
THE OFFICE OF THE KEYS
What do you believe according to these words? I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us by his divine command, in particular when they exclude openly unrepentant sinners from the Christian congregation and absolve those who repent of their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in heaven, as if Christ our dear Lord dealt with us Himself.
THE COLLECT FOR NEXT SUNDAY [Second Sunday in Advent] “Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” AMEN!
