December 19, 2023

Waiting in Hope

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Lectionary Week

December 18–24, 2023

Scripture Overview

In the fourth week of Advent, we focus on prophecies of the arrival of the Messiah. Isaiah foretells the coming of the Prince of Peace who will reign on the throne of David forever. In the first reading from Luke, Mary rejoices after her visit to Elizabeth, for she understands that her child will play a key role in God’s redemptive work. Paul reminds Titus that our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, has brought salvation to all. The second reading from Luke might more logically have come first this week, for it describes how Mary reveals the importance of her child in her song of rejoicing.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 9:2-7. What title for Jesus stands out to you today? How does that inform your discipleship?
Read Luke 1:46-55. Consider how you magnify the Lord. How do you pass on your faith to future generations?
Read Titus 2:11-14. Why would today’s reading jump right to waiting for Jesus’ return? What does this say about his birth?
Read Luke 1:26-38. In this season of giving and receiving, how do you remember that God is the giver of all good gifts? How do you return your God-given gifts to God?

Respond by posting a prayer.

During the Advent season, my late wife, Alice Ann, and I had a custom of visiting a person in our parish who lived alone. Mary, a single woman, lived a solitary life in her apartment. She had been in poor health for years and was confined to a wheelchair. She...

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God of the neglected, give us eyes to see those whom others have passed by. Then stir our hearts and direct our steps to them. May our help go beyond words to action. Amen.

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