Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and the blessed virgin Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in the holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Prayer:
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Readings:
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
This Weeks Readings
December 23, 2018 - Fourth Sunday of Advent| Monday | Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 [11] Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] |
| Tuesday | Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20 |
| Wednesday | 2 Chronicles 24:17-24 Psalm 14 Acts 6:1-7; 7:51-60 |
| Thursday | Proverbs 8:32-36 Psalm 148 John 21:19b-24 |
| Friday | Isaiah 54:1-13 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-7 |
| Saturday | 1 Chronicles 28:1-10 Psalm 147:12-20 1 Corinthians 3:10-17 |
