Lectionary for Advent 2
By the tender mercy of our God the dayspring from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79
Collect. Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reading. Malachi 3:1-4 The two readings for the second Sunday in Advent follow a similar theme for both speak about a herald coming to announce the return of the Lord into his temple. This return was woven into the ancient tradition of the tribes of Judah and Israel. Some scholars do not think of Malachi as a person for the title word means, “my Message, or my Messenger” others are content to think of him as a person. No matter which is correct the book of Malachi is a strong message to the whole nation of Israel.
Malachi was written after the Israelites had returned from exile. The people had been taken into exile and then after some 70 years they had been allowed to return to their lands. At first there had been a resurgence of the religious practises and a modest temple had been rebuilt but even this modest building had fallen into neglect and Malachi is strongly encouraging a renewal of the priestly observances and a return to true worship practises. Indeed from Malachi’s viewpoint the whole nation had fallen well short of what the Lord requires of His People. Despite the laxity of religious observances and the failure to fulfil the Law, the people still clung to the hope that the Lord would return and all would be well as it was before when the twelve tribes filled the Promised Land. This return was commonly called “The Day of the Lord”. Malachi’s warning is clear: Yes, the Lord is coming and his appearance will be sudden but he is coming to like a refining fire or a powerful cleansing agent: In other words, the Lord will return in order to judge. However this day of judgement was also a great day which offered the possibility of a true return to the Lord and all that he had promised to his people. The prophecy was not simply a rebuke but an opportunity to once more be in full and harmonious relationship with the Lord God. Through the judgement there comes a reminder of God’s mercy and the promise of a renewal of the priesthood: a central feature of Jewish religious life.
As we reflect on this reading in the season of Advent it reminds us that Jesus comes to refresh and renew the faith which Christians have held for over two thousand years; to remind us of our responsibilities, but more importantly to link us more securely with the God of mercy and love.
Prayer. Lord we thank you that your coming among us promises us the opportunity of a new beginning. When we are weighed down by memories from the past may we remember that it is your love that brings forgiveness and draws us on into the future that you have prepared. Help us to keep our eyes always fixed on you and using the gifts and opportunities that you give, serve you well. Only by the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ can we approach you and yet in your love and mercy you welcome us as dearly loved children. By the presence of your Spirit continue to assure us of your grace as we await the coming of our Lord and Saviour. In His Name we pray. Amen
Reading. Luke 3:1-6. We have probably read this passage so many times that it slips past almost unnoticed, but it is a very deliberate statement for by linking the Roman and Jewish leaders Luke is anchoring this Herald of the Messiah firmly in the history of both Jews and Gentiles. Luke’s statement signals that this Herald has both national as well as international significance. John’s particular ministry has not only a defined starting point but is also is the fulfilment of a long awaited prophecy. John has a message of importance to all people. This is not one message among many others this message is God’s “word” which “came” to John and as such is of singular importance. As the voice of prophecy had been silent for several centuries it is this descriptive phrase which places John into the prophetic line of ancient Israel. Now having established John’s credentials it is the content of the message which takes centre stage. John’s “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” was not totally new in Jewish religion but what John was offering was the same act of repentance as would be offered to an unclean Gentile. In other words, John is announcing that Jews and Gentiles are in exactly the same position before God; all have a need to repent. Repentance is at its core a new way of looking at, and appreciating God, and what His nature is: As such it is announcing the coming of a new way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. It is heralding the coming of a Saviour who will bring salvation to all people, Jew and Gentile alike. So Luke quotes from the prophet Isaiah, a prophecy which ends with the promise that “all flesh” will be able to participate in God’s salvation. This would have been exciting news for this Saviour embraces the whole world.
Luke is writing more than a generation after Jesus has been crucified and returned to life after death. It is a shaft of light in a dark world. Luke’s message emphasises the universality of the Salvation that Jesus offers and that John is announcing. This passage is welcoming all people to read the total gospel message and so find a living faith in the salvation that Jesus Christ brings.
Prayer. Holy Lord, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the coming of John the one who announced the Good News of the Salvation that Jesus alone could bring. Grant that we may pay attention to his word and ways, and through his forgiveness draw close to you in security and love. We thank you for the forgiveness that Jesus offers through his sacrifice; grant that we may never take for granted all that he has accomplished on our behalf. We thank you for your mercy that brings us wholeness and healing, allowing us to live free from the burden of sin. To you be all honour and glory now and forever. We pray in the Name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Amen
Collect. Eternal God, weaver of the years, when the moment was right, you sent your servant John to prepare the way for the coming of your Son; may we hear his voice, turn from our sins, and see your salvation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer. Grant, 0 Lord, that we may use well our appointed span of time, working while it is called To-day, and mindful that the axe is even now laid to the root of the tree, and the Judge is at the gate; so that we may not be found wanting, but by your mercy may prevail to stand before the Son of Man, and to abide his coming, who is like a refiner’s fire. And this we pray for the sake of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer by W.E. Orchard.)
ericjkirkham.com 