Sunday, December 10, 2023

Monday prior to Advent 3

 

Psalm 85:8–9, 12–13; Antiphon, Psalm 85:7; Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.—During this season of preparation by way of repentance, we pray that, even as we break with the sins of our past, the Lord would not let us turn back to folly. Our sin is persistent, and we can never conquer it by our own doing. Our only hope is in the Lord, who will speak peace to His people and will give what is good. He does this through our Savior, Jesus, for righteousness goes before Him.

This message of peace and salvation is a constant theme throughout the Psalms.  Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor to Your people. Visit me with Your salvation - Psalm 106:4; I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly. - Psalm 85:8; Whoever offers praise glorifies me: and to him that orders his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. – Psalm 50:23; With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. – Psalm 91:16

As we make preparation for the celebration of Christ’s coming into this world we are reminded of the reason for His coming; to offer salvation. Jesus is the Father’s greatest gift as the Father offers His son for the life of this world. Our hope is in Christ. Our Life is in Him. Our future is in His hands. We rely on His love and care.

Collect for Psalm 85: God of love and faithfulness, you so love the world that you gave your only Son to be our Savior. Help us to receive him as both Lord and brother and freely celebrate him as our gracious Redeemer now and forever.[1]



Advent © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[1] Collect for Psalm 85, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church Vol.III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY


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