we relight the first candle of HOPE last week's candle of PEACE ~
now adding the rose candle of JOY
may you be blessed in your reflection and expectation, in the preparation of your heart for the coming of JOY this 3rd week as our journey takes a turn to celebration.
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Today's Readings
The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is upon me, because Adonai has anointed me to announce good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark; 2 to proclaim the year of the favor of Adonai and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn, giving them garlands instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness planted by Adonai, in which he takes pride. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins, restore sites long destroyed; they will renew the ruined cities, destroyed many generations ago.
“For I, Adonai, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offerings.
So I will be faithful to reward them
and make an eternal covenant with them.”
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Their descendants will be known among the nations,
16 Always be joyful.17 Pray regularly. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is what God wants from you who are united with the Messiah Yeshua.
19 Don’t quench the Spirit, 20 don’t despise inspired messages. 21 But do test everything — hold onto what is good, 22 but keep away from every form of evil.
23 May the God of shalom make you completely holy — may your entire spirit, soul and body be kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 24 The one calling you is faithful, and he will do it.
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John 1:6-8
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was Yochanan. 7 He came to be a testimony, to bear witness concerning the light; so that through him, everyone might put his trust in God and be faithful to him. 8 He himself was not that light; no, he came to bear witness concerning the light.
#SongsonSundays looks forward to your selection for this 3rd Advent week.
Ours?
A few variations on an Advent hymn written by Charles Wesley, published in 1744.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
performed by Adore Music
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next up ~
Rita Baloche and Kenny LeBlanc
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free From our fears and sins release us Let us find our rest in Thee Israel's strength and consolation Hope of all the earth Thou art Dear desire of every nation Joy of every longing heart
Born Thy people to deliver Born a child and yet a King Born to reign in us forever Now Thy gracious kingdom bring By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone By Thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to Thy glorious throne
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CharlesWesley wrote this Advent
hymn and printed it in hisHymns for the Nativity of our Lord (1744). Like so many of Wesley's texts, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
alludes to one or more Scripture passages in virtually every phrase.
* The
double nature of Advent is reflected in this text, in which we remember
Christ's first coming even while praying for his return.
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Stanzas 1 and 2 recall Advent prophecies in the Old Testament;
stanza 3 speaks of Christ's birth and kingdom, and
stanza 4 is a prayer for Christ's rule in our hearts.
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We'd love to have you add your music links in comments ~
Thanks, for adding to the JOY of this week's Advent
we relight the first candle of HOPE adding this week's candle of PEACE ~ may you BE blessed in your reflection and expectation of the coming of Peace this 2nd week of our journey to Christmas and may you live and pray with the Benedictus, 'guide our feet in the way of Peace' amen ~ come Lord Jesus...
