Third Sunday of Advent

Readings: Zephaniah 3v14-end; Psalm 146v4-end; Philippians 4v4-7; Luke 3v7-18.

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word : The prophet Zephaniah calls us to sing, rejoice and exult because God is in the midst of us bringing us to victory. For we have a God who is saving the lame, gathering in outsiders and bringing his people home to be seen by all the peoples as a people renewed and restored through God’s love. For, as the psalm tells us, the God who is the creator of all things and reigns forever is also the God who: always keeps his promises; is just to all who suffer wrongs; sets free the bound and lifts up those who are bowed down. This is an amazing God who: opens the eyes of the blind; watches over strangers; upholds the widows and the orphans; and brings bread to those who are hungry. For this is the God who loves the righteous and turns the way of the wicked upside down.

This is the one true God who sent John the Baptiser into the world to prepare God’s people for the coming of the promised Messiah. As a messenger John told sinners to bear fruits worthy of their repentance because all who did not bear good fruit would be cut down. John also instructed those who listened to him to share what they had with those who did not have enough and to be fair in their dealings with others, so they would be ready when the Messiah arrived.

This is the one true God who Paul says guards our hearts and minds in Jesus and whose peace surpasses all understanding. The one true God that Paul tells us to rejoice in, to pray to, to give thanks to and to offer intercessions for all that we need.

Today, let us consider all that God is, all that God does for us and then step up in worship, prayer and praise.

Let us Pray: Wondrous, awesome, amazing God, set us on fire by your Spirit so we are found shining as lights in the world when Jesus returns. Help us to be good ministers and stewards of your word, so we help the disobedient to turn into the wise and just and help people to be found acceptable in your sight when you return at the time of the 2nd coming. Amen

Thanks for joining us today.