Welcome to the FOURTH week of Advent!
As we continue to approach the day that marks the advent of Christ, we want to press into that sense of longing, of expectation, together as a church family.
We also encourage you to press in deeper to the themes found in the passages below by checking out the Bible Project videos to go along with the books mentioned below. You can find those HERE.
Sunday, December 20th
Luke 1:26-56
Monday, December 21st
Isaiah 55:1–13
Tuesday, December 22nd
Isaiah 56:1–58:14
Wednesday, December 23rd
Isaiah 59:1–60:22
Thursday, December 24th
Isaiah 61:1–64:12
Friday, December 25th
Isaiah 65:1–66:24
LOVE Advent reading from Sunday, December 20th:
This week, we continue our celebration of Advent with the theme LOVE.
Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the advent of Christ at Christmas. Today, we remember God’s promise to Israel of a loving messiah who will demonstrate God’s love completely. We remember our need for a Savior who will save us from our sins, and bring the love of God into our lives.
We remember that out of darkness light shines. The true light of life whose love overcame darkness, and whose love is our light, both now and forevermore.
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17-18)
“God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
As we remember Christ’s birth, and anticipate Christ’s Glorious return, may God fill our hearts with his love. Redeeming God, who revealed your love to humble servants like Mary and Joseph, and demonstrated your love through the life, death, and resurrection of your son, may our hearts be filled with your love, a love for each other as a church, and a love for the world around, and may we demonstrate your love in such a way that the world may see our love and glorify our father who is in heaven. Amen.
You can also check out The Bible Project's video on the theme of LOVE in Advent HERE.