Advent Devotion for December 8, 2019 from Apostles By-the-Sea - Episode 8

Week 2: The Messiah Is Coming

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

 

Reflection on this week’s readings:

The second week of Advent continues on the themes of the first week, where we read of Christ’s coming in judgment, but a judgment that is finalized in peace. The themes are depicted in Psalm 72 and Isaiah 11. In addition, Isaiah’s description of the messianic king coming forth from the stump of Jesse is a beautiful picture of how God works to bring new life out of death. Today’s readings also highlight the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family (Romans 15), and the church’s hopeful expectation of the completion of God’s promises. This week is also marked by a focus on the prophets, especially John the Baptist, who preaches a baptism of repentance (Matthew 3). The call to repentance is a call to forsake our sins and is expressed in the Collect for the Second week of Advent as we pray for the “grace to heed [the prophets’] warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ”

 

Collect for the Second Week of Advent:

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.