This week in our Advent journey we turn our attention to the Gospel of Luke. But before you begin today’s reflection maybe just pause, turn your attention to God and pray the prayer below:
God, according to your mercy,
we ask that the dawn from on high
would break upon us today.
We ask that you would give light
to all those who abide in darkness
and who live their lives under the shadow of death.
Amen
Daily Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can also find it here.
Questions to Ponder…
Take a moment and re-read Zechariah’s song (1:68-79), which is also known as ‘The Benedictus’, and have a go at answering the following questions:
- What is Zechariah celebrating in this song? Maybe try and make a list of all the things mentioned.
- What has God done, or what is God doing according to Zechariah, and who is he doing it for?
- What is the role and calling of John prophesied to be in 1:76-79? Again maybe make a list.
Advent Quote: Advent Has Two Faces
Advent has two faces.
One of its faces is apparent in the first lines of Advent hymns: “Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding!” “Sleepers, wake! a voice astounds us!” “Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear!” This is the Advent mood of rapturous expectation as the time of fulfillment moves toward us.
The other face is that of John the messianic herald who stands on the frontier as the ages collide, destined to bear the impact. This face of Advent is that of the apocalyptic woes, the tribulation that overtakes all who stand their ground in the place of greatest pressure as the age to come pushes against “the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away” (1 Cor. 2:6). Thus John flings his accusation against the religious leaders: “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
| Fleming Rutledge
Advent Song: Kyrie Eleison
Closing Benediction
Be people of hope.
| Rev. Susannah DeBenedetto
Let hope live in your heart and share the hope of Christ with all you meet.
Share hope by noticing someone else’s humanity.
Share hope by listening to someone’s story.
Share hope by praying for our world.
In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share hope.
As you go out into the wonder of God’s creations, share hope with those you meet.
Evening Zoom Reflection at 9pm
We will be meeting tonight on Zoom to reflect on this together. You would be most welcome to join us. We start at 9pm and finish at 9:20pm. Bring a Bible and a candle if you have them.
We are usually on a few moments before for a chat. Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743926286
We will be meeting tonight on Zoom to reflect on this together. You would be most welcome to join us. We start at 9pm and finish at 9:20pm. Bring a Bible and a candle if you have them.
One Comment on “Advent Week 3 | WEDNESDAY”
The journey of Israel became quite personal to me during this morning’s reflection. I noted the link between the knowledge of salvation that comes through the forgiveness of sins and the dawn from on high that shines on those in darkness and remembered my own story. I recalled living in darkness and how heaven’s light illuminated my life as I called out for the forgiveness of my sins. Forgiveness is as the first light of heavens dawn before the full illumination of salvation arrives.