DECEMBER 7, 2025
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ISAIAH 11:1-10; PSALM 72:1-7, 18-19; ROMANS 15:4-13; MATTHEW 3:1-12
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
DECEMBER 14, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
PSALM 35:1-10; PSALM 146:5-10; LUKE 1:46b – 55; JAMES 5:7-10; MATTHEW 11:2-11
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflections and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
DECEMBER 21, 2025
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
ISAIAH 7:10-16; PSALM 80:1-7, 17-19; ROMANS 1:1-7; MATTHEW 1:18-25
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel. God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
DECEMBER 28, 2025
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
ISAIAH 63:7-9; PSALM 148; HEBREWS 2:10-18; MATTHEW 2:13-23
As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lifts us up, and carry us as in days of old.
