Welcome to the Second week of Advent!
As we continue to approach the day that marks the advent of Christ, we want to press into that sense of longing, of expectation, together as a church family. Each week, leading up to the sermon, we'll be publishing a simple reading plan for Sunday-Friday to build anticipation and understanding together, and we would love for you to join us.
We also encourage you to press in deeper to the themes found in the passages below by checking out the Bible Project videos to go along with the books mentioned below. You can find those HERE.
Sunday, December 6th
Matthew 1:18-25
Monday, December 7th
Genesis 11:10-32; Genesis 12:1-9
Tuesday, December 8th
Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7
Wednesday, December 9th
Genesis 25:19–26; Genesis 29:31-30:24 + 30:25
Thursday, December 10th
Judges 13:1-25, Numbers 6:1-21 (optional)
Friday, December 11th
Isaiah 40:1-11; Malachi 3:1; 4:1–6; Isaiah 54:1–17
PEACE Advent reading from Sunday, December 6th:
This week, we continue our celebration of Advent with the theme PEACE.
Advent is a word that means “coming”, and in the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the “advent” of Christ at Christmas. Today we remember God’s promise to Israel of a Messiah who will bring everlasting peace when he restores all creation at the end of time. We remember that the one who was in very nature God, came not as a destroying conqueror, but a peaceful babe.
We remember our need for a savior to save us from our sins, and give us the peace with God that our hearts were designed for. We remember that as we press forward in our world of chaos and conflict, we can do so with confidence knowing that he is the source of ultimate and everlasting peace, and the one who calms our hearts as we await his second coming.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” (Isa 9:7) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.” (Luke 2:14) “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:13-14) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Gracious God, who sent your servants the Angels to announce the birth of Christ, we ask you to bring your peace into our hearts, our lives, our families, our communities, and our world, heal the division around us, and use us to bring your peace your broken world. And at all times, may we remember that you alone are the giver of lasting peace, both now, and forever. Amen.
You can also check out The Bible Project's video on the theme of PEACE in Advent HERE.