Next Sunday will be the third Sunday of Advent. The lectionary selections for this week include: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 or Luke 1:47-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 and John 1:6-8, 19-28.
From Isaiah 61:1-3a – The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion – to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
This is a wonderful image of God, our healer, our liberator, and our comforter who turns sorrow to joy and whispers to praises.
Prayer:
Gracious God, open our hearts to you so that you might work within us at all times. AMEN.
