Friday in the First Week of Advent
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening Sentence – (In the preparation days of Celtic Advent)
+ We have waited long for You. Deep has been our darkness.
+ We long for You to shine right here among us where we are.
+ We will not fear the shadows that surround us if only You will come among us!
+ We wait the sound of a cry in the night, the joy that follows pain, the coming of hope.
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Reading: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 (NLT)
The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
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The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
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Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
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Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 (NLT)
Soon—and it will not be very long—the forests of Lebanon will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.
In that day the deaf will hear words read from a book, and the blind will see through the gloom and darkness. The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord. The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The scoffer will be gone, the arrogant will disappear, and those who plot evil will be killed. Those who convict the innocent by their false testimony will disappear. A similar fate awaits those who use trickery to pervert justice and who tell lies to destroy the innocent.
That is why the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the people of Israel,
“My people will no longer be ashamed or turn pale with fear. For when they see their many children and all the blessings I have given them, they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob. They will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Then the wayward will gain understanding, and complainers will accept instruction.”
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Reading: Matthew 9:27-31 (NLT)
After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.
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Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus: Even as I prepare to celebrate Your humble birth, I look forward to Your glorious return.
+ You are my security and defense – I have nothing to fear
+ You are my joy and delight – I long to remain in Your presence
+ You are my hope in this life and in the life to come
Fill me with Your Spirit :
+ That I may live courageously – assured of Your presence
+ That I may live confidently – assured of Your goodness
+ That I may live patiently – assured of Your ultimate justice
Come, Lord Jesus: You are my Light and my Salvation. Amen.
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“Psalm 27 | He’s Able” – Indiana Bible College (by Eddie James)
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Blessing
Make your heart ready for the King of Glory to come in. Pray: come dwell among us and be my peace today.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holly Spirit. Amen!
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