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 two are taken from the prophet Isaiah, and the gospels of St. Luke and St. John.
The readings may be done in one sitting, or divided into morning and evening. Contemplate each reading in light of the coming Christmas season – as a means of preparation for the birth of Christ.
I have provided brief overviews, or headlines, of each passage in order to make some of the connections between the passages clearer.
Sunday, December 8th – Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 5:1-7 - The vineyard of the Lord (Israel) is destroyed due to their sin and faithlessness
Luke 7:28-35 - The Pharisees reject the message and baptism of John, which Christ commended
Monday, December 9th
Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23 - A series of “woes” (covenantal curses) pronounced upon Israel’s many sins
Luke 21:20-28 - Jesus tells of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and His judgment upon it
Tuesday, December 10th
Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25 - Exile and judgment are pronounced upon the wicked
Luke 21:29-38 - Christ warns of judgment and calls His hearers to “watch yourselves”
Wednesday, December 11th
Isaiah 6:1-13 - Isaiah is given a vision of the Lord in His holy temple; Isaiah acknowledges his sin
John 7:53-8:11 - The woman caught in adultery is forgiven by Christ; her accusers leave after being challenged by Jesus
Thursday, December 12th
Isaiah 7:1-9 - Isaiah meets King Ahaz and assures him that the plot against him “shall not come to pass”
Luke 22:1-13 - The plot to kill Jesus, between Judas and the chief priests, is revealed as Jesus prepares for the Passover with His disciples
Friday, December 13th
Isaiah 7:10-25 - “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Luke 22:14-30 - Christ institutes the communion meal with His disciples
Saturday, December 14th
Isaiah 8:1-15 - Assyrian captivity prophesied; Israel called to honor and fear the Lord, even in captivity
Luke 22:31-38 - Peter’s denial foretold