Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

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T he S eason of A dvent

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Arrival December 19 - 25, 2021

WEEK 4

Advent joyously affirms the First and Second comings of our Lord. Through the prophets, God foretold the Messiah’s appearing to his people, Israel. Through the angels, he announced his birth to Zechariah, Mary, and the shepherds. Let us reverently ponder the sure promise of God – the Deliverer will come and ransom captive Israel and the world.

THIS WEEK’S THEME He Shall Be Their Peace, Micah 5.2-5a

Micah addresses the little town of Bethlehem-Ephrathah, that though it was small and insignificant, out of this village would come for the LORD the one who was destined to be the Messiah Ruler, the one anointed by God to deliver his people, the very one, too, who would become Israel’s “Ruler” whose origins are from old, from ancient times. The one for whom Israel waited is none other than the babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ. He will shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, and his people will dwell securely in his Kingdom of peace.

Daily Devotional Guide Preparing Our Hearts

Invocation: Our Prayer of Acclamation Show us, O Lord, thy glory shining through the veil of our flesh, and reveal unto us the lowliness and gentleness of Christ, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, and took upon him the form of a servant, that he might deliver us from every bondage, and enrich us with the treasures of thy grace. Amen. ~ Roman Missal, in James Ferguson and Charles L. Wallis, eds. Prayers for Public Worship: A Service Book of Morning and Evening Prayers Following the Course of the Christian Year. NewYork: Harper & Brothers, 1958. p. 31.