by Pastor Brian Phillips
The Advent season is a season of preparation – of prayer, contemplation, fasting, and spiritual renewal. It is a time in which the people of God, by God’s grace, make straight His paths in their hearts. Rather than simply being an extension of the Christmas celebration, Advent prepares us to more truly and fully celebrate Christ’s birth.
To help us observe Advent, here is a collection of Scripture readings for each day of the season, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. The readings for week four are taken from Psalms, Isaiah, Luke, and John.
The readings may be done in one sitting, or divided into morning, noon, and evening. Contemplate each reading in light of the coming Christmas season – as a means of preparation for the birth of Christ.
Sunday, December 22nd – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Psalm 24 - The King of glory comes in
Isaiah 42:1-12 - Christ, the “chosen” one, shall come
John 3:16-21 - God loved the world by sending His Son
Monday, December 23rd
Psalm 61 - Lead me to the rock, which is Christ
Isaiah 11:1-9 - Christ as the righteous branch
John 5:30-47 - The testimony to Christ
Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Psalm 66 - The awesome deeds of the Lord
Isaiah 11:10-16 - The deeds of the root of Jesse
Luke 1:5-25 - The birth of John the Baptist foretold
Wednesday, December 25th (Christmas Day)
Psalm 72 - A prayer for the true and just King
Isaiah 28:9-22 - The teacher and cornerstone in Zion
Luke 1:26-38 - The birth of Christ foretold