One thing have I desired of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Psalm 27:4
This weeks readings are Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18 and Matthew 2:13-23
Where is Jesus Emanuel in grief and times of fear? Does he really understand? Matthew’s Gospel answers that question starting from the first words all the way to the ending.
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In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.
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Our texts for Sunday, December 21, the 4th Sunday of Advent are: Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25.
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. Today's gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the annunciation (how Joseph was told the back story of Mary's surprising and completely faithful pregnancy) and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
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Our texts for Sunday, December 14 are: Isaiah 35:1-10;
Psalmody - Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11.
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, Mary's Magnificat prophecies a societal upending, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us even as we contemplate what kind of Savior we are expecting.
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Our Bible texts for Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 are: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12. The focus for this liturgical year is on the gospel of Matthew, interspersed with the occasional reading from John. Reading through the gospel of Matthew in particular might be a great way to start off the season of Advent and our new year.
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and oppressed of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. Through his nearness we are able to burst forth from the hard shell of ego and self-protection so that the tender, vulnerable grain of humanity can be freed to nourish the world.
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