December 18, 2009
Friday of the Third Week in Advent
By Melanie Rigney
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. (Jeremiah 23:5)
O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. (Psalms 72:2)
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)
Piety
Lord, I spend so much time planning and doing, especially in this season. Help me to be patient and present to your Word.
Study
Just one week to go! Are you ready?
Just one more weekend of holiday parties! Do you know what you’re going to wear!
Just one more weekend of shopping! Do you know what’s left on your list?
Just one more week to get the house in order for guests and returning family members! Do you have everything you need?
The days are coming, Jeremiah tells us in today’s first reading, for the Messiah. We know that by the calendar too; at least, we think we do. But all too often we spend so much time preparing for the big red date on the calendar that when it arrives, we can’t enjoy it. We’re tired and angry and fractious.
Just one more week to go! Are you ready to honor the birth of he who will save the people from their sins… or are you focused on the partying, shopping, and cleaning?
Action
Set aside at least fifteen minutes today to contemplate God’s goodness.
