“So This Is Love”

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gslclogo…from Worship at Good Sam on December 14, 2014

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 (Click to go directly to the NRSV Bible Text)  Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of the Lord, announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24  Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is grounded in the hope of Christ’s coming.

Gospel: John 1:6–8, 19–28  John’s gospel describes Jesus as the “light of the world.” John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light.

 What is that pink candle amid all the blue? Advent blue is about longing and waiting and looking toward God’s activity for which we hunger. But pink is a warm, glowing color—when there is pink in our cheeks, we are strong and vibrant. Today we light the pink candle to remind us of the joy we have right now, even as we await God’s activity. God has promised to act and see; his coming is sure and drawing near. Let us prepare with gladness to greet our Lord.

Sermon title this Sunday    “Rejoice and Shine in the Light”