Lectionary Reflections

  Theme On our final Sunday of Advent, we reflect on how the birth of Jesus at Christmas is the fulfilment of Jewish prophecies and what that means for humanity and the world. Isaiah prophesies that the Son of God will be born of a virgin. Matthew declares that this prophecy has been fulfilled in the virgin Mary’s pregnancy. In Romans, Paul explains that God has called him to preach the Good News of Christ to all people, especially gentiles who were previously excluded. Scripture Readings Isaiah 7:10-16 - Isaiah declares that a sign of the coming messiah will be a virgin giving birth to a child who will be called “Immanuel,” meaning God is with us. Psalm 80:1-7 ,  17-19 The people cry out for God to turn back towards them so that they may be saved. Romans 1:1-7 - The apostle Paul greets the church in Rome and declares that he has been called to preach the Good News, which is Jesus Christ. God has given the apostles a privelege of sharing this Good News with the gent...

Theme This week’s readings share stories of people being commended for their work and life. The Psalmist declares that those who seek God as their helper are blessed. James calls us to follow the prophet’s patience in suffering as our example. In Matthew, Jesus commends John, saying that he is the greatest person who has ever lived. Finally, in Luke, Mary sings a song of praise to the Lord for choosing her to mother Jesus. Scripture Readings Isaiah 35:1-10 - Isaiah proves a beautiful vision of a future world without ruin and fully reconciled to God. This vision is meant to give hope and strength to those who are weak. In this new world, there will be a road that only the righteous will be able to traverse. Psalm 146:5-10 - Those who claim God as their helper are joyful. The Psalmist declares that God brings justice and healing to the poorest and most vulnerable people. James 5:7-10 - James calls the reader to be patient like farmers waiting for rain as they wait for the Lord...

  Theme Our Advent season continues this week with more promises of the coming Christ. This week’s readings remind us that God’s dream for the world and humanity is one of unity, peace and wholeness. Isaiah declares that a descendent of David is coming who will obey God, bring justice to the poor and reconcile the world to God. The apostle Paul declares that the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement to live in unity as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. In Matthew, we learn about John the baptist who fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy and warns people of the coming Messiah who will baptise all people in the Holy Spirit and judge the living and the dead. Scripture Readings Isaiah 11:1-10 - Isaiah declares that a new branch will grow and bear fruit out of David’s line. This person will obey God and bring justice to the poor. Isaiah describes a beautiful vision of all creation living together in peace and harmony during those days. David’s heir will be a banner of...

Theme This week is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the season of the Christian Calendar where we prepare in anticipation for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. This week’s readings speak about God’s people preparing for the coming Salvation of God. Isaiah prophesies about the last days where all wars will cease and God’s peace will reign. The Psalmist sings and prays for God to bring peace to Jerusalem. In Romans, Paul encourages God’s people to live righteously as they await the coming day of Salvation. In Matthew, Jesus warns the people to keep watch and be prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. Scripture Readings Isaiah 2:1-5 - Isaiah prophesies that in the last days, God’s mountain will stand the tallest. People from all Nations will stream there to worship. God will mediate between Nations and all wars will cease. Psalm 122 - A Psalm that pilgrims sang while traveling to Jerusalem, declaring how joyful it is to be there and praying for God’s peace to t...

The Christian season of Advent begins next week Sunday, 27 November 2022. This date also marks the beginning of the new Christian Calendar. While the official calendar that we all know and love begins on 1 January, the Christian calendar begins with the start of Advent. This gives us the perfect opportunity to make a commitment to regular bible study and reflection without waiting for the new year. I would like to assist you on this exciting journey. The Revised Common Lectionary Starting on Monday, I will be sending out weekly reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary scripture readings for the upcoming week. The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a schedule of weekly Scripture Readings that follows the Christian Calendar (shown above) over a three year cycle. Each week consists of a Gospel reading, an Old Testament reading, a New Testament Reading and a Psalm. There are three main benefits to following the RCL in our reading of the bible: Because so many churches throughout...