by Pastor Brian Phillips
The Advent season is a season of preparation – of prayer, contemplation, fasting, and spiritual renewal. It is a time in which the people of God, by God’s grace, make straight His paths in their hearts. Rather than simply being an extension of the Christmas celebration, Advent prepares us to more truly and fully celebrate Christ’s birth.
Here is a collection of Scripture readings for each day of the season, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. The readings for week three are taken from Psalms, Isaiah, Luke, Mark, and Matthew. The emphasis of the third week of Advent is Joy - the third candle on the Advent wreath (the pink one) marks a shift in the season towards increased joy and anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Scripture readings for week three highlight that as well.
The readings may be done in one sitting, or divided into morning, noon, and evening. Contemplate each reading in light of the coming Christmas season – as a means of preparation for the birth of Christ.
Sunday, December 15th – Third Sunday of Advent
Psalm 103 - A Psalm of gratitude for God’s blessings and mercy
Isaiah 13:6-13 - The day of the Lord is near to judge His enemies, and deliver His people
John 3:22-30 - John the Baptist proclaims that Christ has come as Savior and Judge
Monday, December 16th
Psalm 44 - A prayer for deliverance and help
Isaiah 8:16-9:1 - A reminder to wait for the Lord and trust in His coming deliverance
Luke 22:39-53 - Christ exhorts the disciples to pray; He is betrayed and arrested (darkness before light)
Tuesday, December 17th
Psalm 45 - A psalm of praise: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”
Isaiah 9:1-7 - The promised Christ will take the throne of David
Luke 22:54-69 - Peter denies Christ; He is mocked and beaten, yet proclaims, “from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
Wednesday, December 18th
Psalm 119:49-72 - Trust in God’s word in the face of the “insolent”
Isaiah 9:8-17 - Judgment coming against those who reject the promised Son/Child
Mark 1:1-8 - The ministry of John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord
Thursday, December 19th
Psalm 50 - God Himself is Judge
Isaiah 9:18-10:4 - Continuation of the pronouncement of judgment against God’s enemies
Matthew 3:1-12 - John the Baptist calls men to repent and “flee the wrath to come”
Friday, December 20th
Psalm 51 - David’s psalm of repentance after his sins of adultery and murder
Isaiah 10:5-19 - God’s coming judgment against the arrogance of Assyria
Matthew 11:2-15 - Jesus praises the faith and ministry of the imprisoned John the Baptist
Saturday, December 21st
Psalm 55 - The Lord will sustain the righteous, but cast down His enemies
Isaiah 10:20-27 - The remnant will return
Luke 3:1-9 - John the Baptist baptizes and preaches repentance in the wilderness