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December 10, 2021

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Jean Claude Masuka Maleka   |   Read Philippians 4:5-7

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Lectionary Week
December 6–12, 2021
Scripture Overview

Reviewing the scripture passages for this week, the hymn title “Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing” might come to mind. The writers of this week’s texts advise us to do all these things. At this time of year, these responses often seem to come naturally for many of us. The prophet Zephaniah exhorts his audience to sing aloud and rejoice. The prophet Isaiah calls on the people of Judah to “give thanks to the Lord.” In the letter to the Philippians, Paul advises his audience to “rejoice in the Lord always.” The tone of the Luke passage for this week is more somber; through the words of John the Baptist, Luke challenges his audience to maintain right relationships with God and humanity. Taken together, these passages provide a number of life lessons.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20. Recall a time when you have experienced joy in the midst of trouble. Give thanks to God for your joy.
Read Isaiah 12:2-6. How does your trust in God enable you to overcome fear?
Read Philippians 4:4-7. Are you able to release your worries to God when you pray, or do you tend to hold on to the worry even after you have prayed about it?
Read Luke 3:7-18. Where in your life are you being nudged to do the right thing? How will you respond?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Philippians 4:5-7

5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul extols the Philippians to show their gentleness to all people. He also encourages them in their discipline of prayer. Their prayers, supplications, and requests should be directed to God, Paul tells them. Only God can respond to our prayers, and we can trust that...

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, you are the source of peace in the world. Give me peace in my heart this day, that I may be able to share it with others. Amen.


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