The last Sunday of Advent, our focus changes from
concentrating on the second coming of Christ, to preparing for the birthday of
Jesus. We look at Miriam’s response to
the Lord, and we need to repeat it ourselves daily, “be it unto me according to
your word.” Our Gospel last week reminds
us, that true faith results in a changed life, not only in caring for the poor,
the sick and the homeless, but in aligning our relationships with God’s word,
that is in how we treat others, and getting rid of all sexual relationships
outside of marriage. If we are going to
say with Miriam, “be it unto me according to your word, we must mean it
seriously, and learn to be God’s servants, obeying his every command. As James says, “Faith without action is
completely dead.”
Torah: Genesis 3:1-24
Prophet: Joshua 10:1-40
Writing: Sirach 9:1-18
Psalm: 42
Epistle: Revelations 7:1-17
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Collect: El Shaddai, when you sent your angel
Gabriel to Miriam, she accepted your message, and put her faith in you to
complete your word in her, that The Word, Yeshua would be born into the
world. Aid us, that our faith would be
equal to hers, trusting you for defense, and trusting that you would complete
your word in us today. This we ask
through your son, Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach
haKodesh, one God, in shekina glory everlasting. Amen.
17 December: El Shadai, give us a faith like that of your
servant, Daniel. He was not afraid to go into the lion's den or stand inside
the burning fiery furnace. You delivered him! You upheld your faithful servant.
Give us that kind of faith and take away our unbelief! This
we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach
haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.
Amen. (white)
18 December: El Shadai, you suffered so much for our
salvation. We may endure weeping for a night but through the manifold grace of
our God, joy comes in the morning. Thank you for the mornings, which usher in
new hope enabling us to go on another day. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen.
19 December: El
Shadai, you are the only true God. You call and form everything into existence.
Sometimes we behave as if we ourselves control our destiny. Give us the humility to recognize that you
alone are God, and all things must come under your authority. This we ask in
the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen.
20 December: Come, long expected Yeshua. Come, Lord, and
set your people free. Many are still in darkness, being denied of your
liberating power. As in days of old, redeem our souls unto your kingdom. Set
your people free to glorify you. This
we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen.
21 December: El Shadai, who gave Thomas the strength to be ready to die for you, and the grace
to travel to India. Help us that we may always be ready to give
our lives for you and ready to travel to the far ends of the earth to proclaim
your Gospel. This we ask in the name of
Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory
everlasting. Amen. (red)
22 December: El Shadai, Savior of the World, you know each of us by name. In our confessions, we
rejoice that the message of the advent season is one of liberation and
redemption. May we accept your redemptive love for us this day, and be willing
to share the love of HaMoshiach with others. This we ask in the name of Yeshua
haMoshiach, who lives and governs with
you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen.
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