He is coming! He is coming!
How will we know he is here?
The Coming of the Messiah is described as a time of joy, deliverance and justice.
Jesus ‘secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry,
sets captives free, gives sight to the blind; raises us those bowed down’.
Jesus loves the just, protects strangers, sustains the fatherless and the widow, and thwarts the way of the wicked.
This kingdom of God is forever through every generation.
We rejoice today, that in the parched land of our world today,
those who thirst will be quenched through the Incarnation of God’s Loving Presence and Glad Tidings, Good News, will once again be shared with ALL!
Reading (Lectio)
Luke 3:10-18
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.
Meditation (Meditatio)
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
- What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
- What in this passage comforted you?
- What in this passage challenged you?
Prayer (Oratio)
Reading the Scripture Passage one more time. Offer a prayer of praise, petition or thanksgiving that this Advent Word inspires in you.
Contemplation (Contemplatio)
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
“Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”
- How can I be kinder and more honest in my speech?
- How do envy and greed disrupt my relationship with material goods?
- Now the people were filled with expectation. For what do I hope?
- How does my faith in God fulfill my longings? His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn.
- What sinful parts of my life need to be winnowed away? What spiritual gifts do I treasure the most?
Closing Prayer
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name. AMEN.
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name. AMEN.
Listen To the Advent Hymn
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01BcaggibDw
Light the third candle (pink) of your Advent Wreathe
and sing out!
Rejoice, Rejoice, O Israel,
To you shall come, Emmanuel
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