​​​​​​​​​​​​​SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 2018

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer's voice

in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily

herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are

called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming

of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the "salvation of God."

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to

all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior

and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

AMEN

FIRST READING

MALACHI 3:1-4

The Lord announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name

 means "my messenger") shall prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by

purifying and refining God's people, as silver and gold are refined.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.
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PSALMODY
PSALM 1:68-79; REFRAIN, PS. 1:78

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high will break upon us.
PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.

SECOND READING

PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11
The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy

to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tenderhearted Paul, sometimes

a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in live and knowledge.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.

GOSPEL

LUKE 3:1-6

John the Baptist is a herald of the saving Lord, whose way is prepared by "repentance for

the forgiveness of sins." As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the

spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.​​​​

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PREPARING FOR NEXT WEEK

MONDAY

Psalm 126

TUESDAY​

Isaiah 19:18-25

WEDNESDAY

Isaiah 35:3-7

THURSDAY

commemoration of Lucy, martyr, 304

Isaiah 12:2-6

FRIDAY

commemoration of John of the Cross, renewer of the church, 1591

Amos 8:4-12

SATURDAY

Amos 9:8-15

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18