Invitation — Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?"
Quiet
Bible Song — Psalm 25:1, 8-11
In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust...
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Bible Reading — Isaiah 11:1-5
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord —
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
Quiet
Dwelling
Remind yourself you are in God's presence and read again ... notice how God might be speaking to you through his Word — dwell on a word or phrase that jumps out at you ... let your heart respond to God in prayer ... take refreshment in God's presence.
Free Prayer
- for Advent hope and joy
- for the courage to go and tell the good news
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer — WC 33.2
Redeemer God, in righteousness you will judge all people. Keep me from making eternal pronouncements on others' lives, and help me trust that the coming day of judgment will reveal the glory of your wide mercy and firm justice. Keep me vigilant to work against evil and injustice, and yet hopeful for all people, trusting that your justice never fails and your mercy is fresh each day. Amen.
Blessing — Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."