Scripture Reading, December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
(Candle Lighting: Relight the first Advent candle. Then light the second candle - both are blue - as you are lighting the candles say:)
“Today we relight the candle of Hope and Expectation. Let this candle remind us of the great hope we have in Christ the Messiah and in God’s promises. As we light the candle of preparation and peace let it remind us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.”
Prayer: Father, guide us in confession of our sins. We know that in the greatness of your love, you have promised to forgive us. Cleanse us as we prepare our lives for the coming of Jesus again. This we ask in His name. Amen.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
(Candle Lighting: Relight the first Advent candle. Then light the second candle - both are blue - as you are lighting the candles say:)
“Today we relight the candle of Hope and Expectation. Let this candle remind us of the great hope we have in Christ the Messiah and in God’s promises. As we light the candle of preparation and peace let it remind us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.”
Prayer: Father, guide us in confession of our sins. We know that in the greatness of your love, you have promised to forgive us. Cleanse us as we prepare our lives for the coming of Jesus again. This we ask in His name. Amen.