Advent Reading Guide Accompaniment from Pastor Amy
NOV. 30 Isaiah 52:7-9
Hello Friends, this reading is one of great joy. Isaiah describes how our world becomes more beautiful with the coming of the messenger of peace. As Christians we know that messenger to be Jesus, Emanuel, God with us. What amount of love does our Creator have for his creatures, to send his very own Son to live with us, teaching us about our God and how-to live-in peace with one another. That is real love. God did not allow creation to implode, to become extinct through hatred and violence. Instead God sent Jesus, the Son, to show us what love is, the way to peace, and to comfort us. Even in the midst of a pandemic we have something to celebrate. Something that causes us to break out in song. We are redeemed. We are loved.
Dec. 1: Genesis 3:8-15
This passage reminds us that the first Adam was unable to stand against all the world would offer. But Jesus, the second Adam, was not fooled by the world. Jesus was not attracted to what the world had to offer. A shiny new apple did not entice Jesus to cast off God’s love in search for something tactile.
Sin strikes at our feet and everywhere else it can get hold of us. But the second Adam, Jesus, came that evil might eat the dust of His feet forever. Jesus came to show us the Way to the garden once more. If we follow our hearts and love God more than anything else, we will have life abundantly.
Dec 2: Isaiah 40:1-5
God sent the Messiah over two thousand years ago to hear us, to see us and to comfort us. Jesus is a beacon of light that illuminates even our darkest days. And so, we prepare again to rededicate our lives in the coming year to His work. To prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to be one with God. To become the best persons we can be. To celebrate Jesus’ birth once more knowing that this is but one moment, filled with hope for the next. One day there will be peace, no sickness, no mourning, only the comfort of God’s presence. Jesus was born into this world so that our burdens may be lighter, that we may be forgiven and forgiving. Prepare. Get ready. Because the world will only become better and better the more we turn to God.
Dec 3: Genesis 15:1-6
God sent a shield to us. A shield so great, and one that is bigger than the heavens. Jesus came so that we would flourish and become great people. That we would know God, be comforted and forgiven.
Every year at Christmas time, we remember again the promises that God made to God’s people. We are those people. As we begin to look ahead to the new year, we reassess our lives. In our assessment we acknowledge
God’s work in our lives. This work that opens the heavens to us. We are promised that each one of us, each a kernel of love, will become a universe of God’s love when we seek righteousness. God’s promises to us are true
and trustworthy. Let us choose to celebrate the promise this Advent season.
Dec 4: Deuteronomy 18:15-19
God has our back. God sent prophets, messengers of peace, and messengers of God’s word. Finally sending God’s very own Son so that could see for ourselves how to live. Hear the word of God with our own ears. To feel the presence of God. Jesus fulfilled this promise made to Moses. Jesus spoke words of truth and love for all. Jesus words are ones to live by. His example, one to follow. Thanks be to God for this gift.
Dec 5: Psalm 89:1-4
God’s promise made and kept in Jesus. This is worth singing about. God loved us from the beginning of time and continues to love us. Jesus’ throne will never fade. Jesus’ teachings will grow stronger and more fruitful. Let us sing songs of praise throughout this Advent season.
Dec 6 prayer
Dear God, Creator, Parent, Promise-Keeper, thank you. Thank you for your promises made and kept to us, a motley crew of disbelievers and upstarts. Thank you for Your Word sent to us in such a way that we might see and believe. Thank you for Your Son that we might feel Your presence and love in human form. Keep our paths straight, our hands firmly placed in Your work, our hearts light, and our minds sharp. Show us the light each day so that our dark places become smaller and smaller. We praise Your Holy Name. AMEN
Rejoice!
Rev. Amy Shipley
Bennett’s Corners Community UMC