Advent Devotion for December 15, 2019 from Apostles By-the-Sea - Episode 15

Week 3: Rejoice!

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Readings:

Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 146:5-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

 

Reflection on this week’s readings:

The Scripture readings for the third Sunday in Advent give cause for rejoicing as they reflect on the salvation and restoration Jesus brings. When Jesus returns, the effects of sin’s curse will be removed. We see this reversal in Isaiah 35 and Psalm 146, where we read that the dry land will blossom, streams will come forth from the desert, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the oppressed will see justice, the hungry will be fed, and the downcast will be lifted up. What was prophesied becomes fulfilled, and in Matthew 11 we read Jesus’ message to John the Baptist: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. This is indeed reason for rejoicing, and as the Proper Preface for Advent tells us, when Christ comes again we’ll have even more reasons to rejoice.

 

Proper Preface for Advent:

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great glory to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

 

Collect for the Third Week of Advent:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.