Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

18

T he S eason of A dvent

Departing to Serve

Benediction Stir up, O Lord, Thy power, and come; and mercifully fulfil that which Thou hast promised to Thy Church unto the end of the world. Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our hearts to prepare the ways of Thine Only-begotten Son; that by His Advent we may be enabled to serve Thee with purifiedminds; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

~ Gelasian Sacramentary, in J. Robert Wright, Readings for the Daily Office from the Early Church . NewYork: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1991. p. 16.

Affirmation for the Day Sunday: The LORD God has promised to end war and pain and to consummate his Kingdom, in his own time and method. Monday: The Lord will fulfill the promise that he made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Tuesday: In the days of the fulfillment of his promise, the Father will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, the Messiah. Wednesday: The Messiah of God will execute justice and righteousness in the land, ushering in God’s kingdom life among his people. Thursday: In the days of Messiah, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. Friday: Jerusalem will become the namesake of the LORD, being called: “The LORD is our righteousness.” Saturday: The hope of Messiah’s coming is the anchor of our spirituality, faith, and service to God.