
The Work of Hope
Hope is a force of God that enlivens us to life. We can easily miss the Read More
Larrin Robertson | Read Psalm 148:1-14
I grew up in a Baptist church known locally for our rich musical tradition. There was a senior choir, a male chorus, a women’s choir, a youth choir, and a children’s choir. My favorite, however, was the mass choir, which consisted of anyone who wanted to sing together. With everyone...
My Lord and my God, you deserve all praise. Thank you for the consistent reminders of your presence and care for us. May I live a life of praise to you. Amen.
The boy Samuel worshiped and served God from a young age. He grows in stature and favor, the same description that will later be applied to the young Jesus in this week’s reading from Luke. The psalmist praises God for raising up a “horn” for the people. This “horn” is referred to elsewhere in the Psalms as being the True King from the line of David, identified later by Luke (1:69) as Jesus. Paul encourages the Colossians to let love rule in their community and to praise God with songs and hymns (such as the Psalms). The additional readings for this special week focus our minds on the Advent of the Lord, the amazing truth that “the Word became flesh and lived among us” (John 1:14), as the prophets had prophesied long ago.
Read Isaiah 9:2-7. Where in your world do you see darkness? What lies within your power to dispel it?
Read Psalm 148. How do you experience God’s creations worshiping and praising God? How do you join in that worship?
Read Colossians 3:12-17. How are you clothing yourself with love during this season?
Read Luke 2:41-52. When has a not-as-usual occurrence generated anxiety in your life? How was it resolved?
Respond by posting a prayer.