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Second Sunday of Advent • Year C
December 8, 2024
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Historical Collect
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of your only-begotten Son, that by his coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure minds; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
God of righteousness, refine and purify our lives through the power of your Holy Spirit so that we might boldly and faithfully prepare the way for the coming of your Son, Jesus, our Savior and Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
The Old Testament also declares the Christ. Malachi prophesies with a pun that God will send a malaki, a messenger, who will prepare the way before him. God is coming, says the prophet, to refine and judge and call to repentance. The Lord has always led his people, keeping their foot from slipping and their soul alive. God will complete the work he has begun—whether in the history of salvation, in the Church, or in our individual lives. It will fully come to pass when all humanity sees God’s salvation, that day when Jesus returns in glory.
First Reading • Malachi 3:1-7b
Even though we change with our passing moods, and vacillate according to what seems easiest, there is a good, solid reason that we are not been brought to our just end. God does not change. Though we change, he is constant. We are not very worthy but he made a promise and he intends to keep it even though we are undeserving. The messenger of the covenant, specifically of the new covenant, is coming. Who can endure his appearance? Only those who through faith will receive the righteousness he is bringing.
Psalm • Psalm 66:1-12
God has kept our soul among the living, delivering us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. Though this earthly life may bring great trial and crushing burdens, these are tests. They are meant to refine us. In the end, God will deliver us from the trials of this life just like he brought the Hebrews “out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exod 20:2). The Lord has spoken and he makes good on his promises.
Second Reading • Philippians 1:2-11
God has begun a good work in those who have partnered with him in the fellowship of the gospel. God is working in each one who believes, though it sometimes may not look like it and often does not feel like it, and will bring them all from faith to faith (Rom 1:17). Finally, on that great day of Jesus Christ, he will bring his work to completion. This is a certainty since they have received God's grace through the word of promise, the gospel of our Lord.
Gospel • Luke 3:1-14, 15-20
The grace of God has appeared in Jesus Christ and he has brought salvation for all people. (Titus 2:11) Though he has appeared, some refuse to perceive. Thus the Scripture says that some “have eyes to see, but see not” (Ezek 12:2). Another day is coming, a second advent, when every eye will see him (Luke 21:27; Rev 1:7), every knee bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10-11). His winnowing fork is in his hand; the great separation is at hand.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
