“But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil.”
Luke 6:35, CSB
We love the Church, knowing Christ’s love was extended through the Church to us when we were enemies of Christ, and now we seek to welcome others into the Church and Christ’s love and grace.
Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “The Lord is with you, valiant warrior.”
Judges 6:12, CSB
We love the Church, knowing God’s Spirit is within the Church, within each of us who put their faith in Christ. May we be bold in proclaiming the truth of God’s indwelling love and grace.
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9, CSB
We love the Church, knowing it is through the Church we hear the gospel of grace and receive salvation through faith. We lift each other up with the Word.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child — this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4, CSB
Let us love the Church, knowing there are others who understand some things better than we do and that we need the Church to help us, like a family, following our God and Big Brother.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34, CSB
We work in this world to usher others into the rest of Christ, being thankful for and sharing His goodness and love that gives us est from fear and worry.
The third week of Advent is traditionally seen as being a time for looking at joy. This year, I am using some of the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Let’s get into
Week Three of Advent
Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:14-17, CSB
We saw previously that God is our hope and peace, that Christ is our faithful Priestly King prophesied centuries earlier and proclaimed at His birth and before His earthly ministry began.
This week we see the joy that Christ brings. Jesus came to His people, to Jerusalem at the proper time to take away our sin and shame. Our heavenly King came to dwell amongst us, to save us, and to give us full hope of eternity where He will rejoice with us, not condemning us but delighting in us. Let us join in the rejoicing!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7, CSB
As we await Christ’s second coming, we cast all our anxieties on Him through prayer and thanksgiving, rejoicing in the Lord who saves, giving us hope and peace and eternal joy. Let us worship the King who has come! Let us love our God who dwelt among us and dwells within us by His Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father!
Prayer
Lord, prepare our hearts for joy by the power of the Holy Spirit that others may see the joy and peace You grant us. Help us to see Your goodness in all things and to proclaim the joy of the cross to a lost and hurting world until Your return!
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39, ESV
Just the name of God can save, and He has. Let us show our thankfulness by sharing that salvation and love with others that they may worship God in thankfulness, too.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!