Advent 4 Series A study notes

Isaiah 7:10–17
Romans 1:1–7
Matthew 1:18–25

Stir up Your Power O Lord and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down ay be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, One God, now and forever.  

Joseph is the perfect model. He listened and quietly obeyed. Not given to speculation or doubt.  "Shut up and fall in line." 

 

God’s Word Is Fulfilled for Us in the Flesh and Blood of Christ Jesus, the Son of Mary

 

The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With the blessed Virgin Mary we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Word and Spirit of God. This fulfillment of the sign once given to the house of David, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14), is now given to us in the Gospel. It declares that salvation is by His grace alone, entirely His work and a free gift. It also is the way and means by which the Lord our God is Immanuel, “God with us.” The almighty and eternal Son of God is conceived and born of Mary and is thus “descended from David according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3). He comes in this way to save us with His own flesh and blood; He is called “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). As Joseph received this sign in faith and immediately “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matthew 1:24), we also live by faith in this holy Gospel.

Matthew 1:18-25

Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege

Through His angel God commanded Joseph,…you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.  The Holy Spirit informs us through Matthew that this event revealing Mary’s miraculous conception and revealing God’s command to name the baby Jesus, fulfilled what Isaiah had prophesied: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.  Matthew then translates Immanuel: God with us.

Herein we find two foundational beliefs of the Christian faith.  First, that this baby would save from sin.  Second, that this baby is God with us.  Faith in these two realities must be divinely wrought, for who can believe that a single human could save from sin, or who could believe that God became a man.  And yet these two beliefs always belong together, for who but God can save from sin? Through the prophet Isaiah God declares this reality: I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior (43:11).

In the name Jesus (Hebrew Joshua) this dual reality of God becoming man to save us is even sharpened.  Jesus is a name that basically means God saves.  Devout Jewish parents would name their sons Jesus (Joshua), as a reminder that God indeed saves.  This child, born of the virgin, is given the name Jesus not so much as a reminder that God saves but because He IS God who saves from sin.  Thus already while in the womb the ultimate person and work of this Holy-Spirit-conceived child is clearly identified.  His person:  True God and True Man.  His Work:  Saving Mankind from Sin.

Subsumed under this command given to Joseph is Christ’s journey to the cross.  The Apostle Paul would later summarize Christian preaching: We preach Christ crucified.  When the angel explains, He will save His people from their sins, He is identifying the central proclamation: We angels proclaim Christ crucified.

Many Christians will celebrate Christmas with a weak understanding of the purpose of this baby.  Some will go only so far as to hail Him as mankind’s ultimate example. Many will only go as far as to claim Jesus as the One who reveals God’s love as He goes about healing and caring for the sick and the outcast.  Others will only go as far as to tell people that Jesus was born to teach us about God.  And for some He will be recognized as a sort of ultimate Moses—another great law-giver who directs His followers to absolute obedience.  Though there is a kernel of truth in each of these yet ultimately these proclaimed purposes for the Christ-child are misleading and fall far short, for in them there is very little Gospel.  St. Paul in the fifteenth chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians begins his summary of the Gospel by stating: For I delivered to you as of first importance…that Christ died for our sins (v. 3). This primary purpose of the Christ echoes perfectly the primary purpose named by the angel:  He will save His people from their sins.

Thus we celebrate Christmas and share its foundational meaning by pointing people to the cross, and of course to the empty tomb. The cross is the heart of the Gospel.  Indeed He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification (Romans4:25) …fulfilling the prediction, He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:18 

Τοῦ δὲ [a]Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ ἡ [b]γένεσις οὕτως ἦν. [c]μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 

"Before or until" - they came together" this brings us back to Genesis. Matthew begins with the genealogy. And starts with Joseph, Jesus is to be king through royalty. The miracle by the Holy Spirit Mary is expected. They have not yet come together. She is found/discovered to be with child.

Matthew 1:19 

Ἰωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν [d]δειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρᾳ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν.

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

  

Joseph a righteous just man, was not wanting to expose her. (Disgrace her)

Matthew 1:20 

ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου κατ’ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων· Ἰωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυίδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν [e]Μαρίαν τὴν γυναῖκά σου, τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἁγίου·

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 

- See John 8:41 

Matthew 1:21

τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν, αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. 

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. 

-The meaning of the name because for he will save his people.  

Matthew 1:22

τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν [f]ὑπὸ κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

Now these things; all of them, took place to fulfill the sayings from the Lord through the prophet...

Matthew 1:23

Ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσιν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἐμμανουήλ· ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Μεθ’ ἡμῶν ὁ θεός.  

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

 

Another name prophesied Immanuel - hear literally "God is with us." -Isaiah 7:24  

He will be called Immanuel by the people a description of his character.  Jesus is with us, for us, located specifically where he chooses to be located - even to the end of the age. 

Matthew 1:24 

ἐγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβεν τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ·

When Joseph woke from slumber/sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,

He does not divorce her he assumes responsibility he takes her as his wife. He took his wife into his home. He did this despite what ramification might come his way. 

See John 8:41 “They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God." 

Matthew 1:25

καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν ἕως οὗ ἔτεκεν [h]υἱόν· καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦν. 

but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

He was not knowing her UNTIL

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

   

Saturday prior to Advent 3

[1]

 

 Romans 13:11 – This verse is the inspiration for the hymn, “Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding”. Paul reminds us that the certain coming of the end of this present age is used to provide motivation for godly living. {See Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 13:33-37; 2 Peter 3:11-14} The time of salvation, the closing period of the present age, before the consummation of the kingdom remind us that now is the hour. The time for action is now. The full realization of salvation at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is nearer now then it was before. Every day brings us closer to the second advent of Christ. Our prayer is simple, “Come; come Lord Jesus, come even today!”

If you have something important to communicate to someone, you first need to get their attention. And if you need to get someone’s attention quickly, there are a number of approaches you could take. Yes, there’s the always red exclamation point attached to the email, or the allcaps text message. But what about when you’re when you’re within sight or shouting distance of the people who need to know the news you need to share? To get their attention, perhaps you whistle, wave your arms, or yell something.

There’s a lot of attention-getting that happens during the season of Advent, and a lot of it is carried out by John the Baptizer. While his choice of clothing and eating habits may have gained him attention, we remember him, of course, not only for who he was, but for whom he was the attention-getter. As John the Baptizer says in John the Evangelist’s gospel, in the pericope for this Sunday, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (John 1:23 ESV) Throughout the season of Advent, our attention is turned to look for the coming Christ, and as our attention is turned, so are our lives are turned in repentance to receive the gifts that Christ brings. We “cast away the works of darkness” and “haste, with tears of sorrow” and receive the “pardon,” “mercy,” and “words of love” of our coming Savior.

Whoever was the 6^th -or-7^th -century-or-so writer of this hymn was also an attention-getter. The archaic “Hark!” which begins this hymn—and which always reminds me of that one Brady bunch episode, right?—is a translation of the original Latin ecce, which seems to be the go-to attention-getting word in that language. It can also be translated as “Lo!” or “Here!” or “Behold!” or “Look!” or “See!” It’s no accident that there are quite a few Advent and Christmas hymns that begin with these words. There is important news to share both in anticipation of and in response to “that birth forever blessed” (to quote another Latin hymn).

But just as John’s attention-getting dress and diet was not the point of it all but rather a way of pointing to his message and the point of his message, so the hymn-writer’s attention-getting “Hark!” serves as an opening to a hymn that is full of messages for us—images and ideas taken fairly directly from scripture. Hymnal companion commentaries on this hymn point out that almost every line of the Latin hymn is related to a passage from scripture.

Consider the following connections between hymn and scripture and allow them to lead you in prayer and meditation, being assured that “Christ is near.”

Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding!

“Christ is near,” we hear it say.

“Cast away the works of darkness,

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11-12) [2]

Lord, free us from our sins and make us whole. Hear our prayer, and prepare us to celebrate the incarnation of Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen [3]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2]  Reflection written by Jonathan Kohrs from River Forest IL https://www.cuchicago.edu/globalassets/www-digital-team-media-files/documents-and-images/academics/centers-of-excellence/center-for-church-music/devotions/hymn-of-the-day-devotion---advent-3-2016.pdf

[3] Collect for Advent 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

 

Friday prior to Advent 3

[1]

 

Matthew 11:2-15 – John the Baptizer sends a delegation to learn if Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus says John is the greatest of the prophets.  In the Gospel lesson, we are given evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. John the Baptist sends a delegation to learn if Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus says John is the greatest of the prophets. We come to the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah.

The ultimate confession to be a Christian is to say Jesus is Lord, or the Messiah (Christ). How does one come to such a conclusion? We dare not take anybody’s word.

Rather, we find out for ourselves by studying the evidence. This is what Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptizer to do and then to go back and let John know what has been said and done. We do not take our faith on hearsay. Rather, we base our faith grounded in fact.

Jesus makes the claim that he is the Messiah. He realizes this statement might offend some so he says, “Blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” An “offense” is a stumbling block or a trap. Je Greek word for “offense” is scandal. Instead of being drawn to Jesus by the face of who he is, what he does, and what he says, some are turned off and walk away. The question we must each ponder is this, does Jesus offended you? And, if so, why?

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes in glory, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.[2] Amen

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Advent 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

 

Luke 2 reflection

Luke 2 reflection

Law/Gospel Theme: Today people need to understand the importance of the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. This event demonstrates God’s love for all people, even the humblest among us. Today will learn to appreciate God’s grace and share the Good News with others.   

Prayer:   Almighty God, help us to look forward to the glory of the birth of Chrit our Savior. His coming is proclaimed joyfully to the ends of the earth for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever Amen.

Hymn: #66 O Little town of Bethlehem Vv. 1-2

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Hymn: #66 O Little town of Bethlehem  Vv. 3-4

Have you ever wondered why the birth of Jesus is so important to us? Why do we celebrate it every year with such joy and enthusiasm? It’s because Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary event; it was the beginning of God’s great plan to bring salvation to all people, including you and me.

Luke tells us the wonderful news.

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.”

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

In this passage, we see that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus. Mary was pregnant with Jesus, the Son of God, who was about to be born. We are reminded that Jesus was born in time and space to be our Savior. That’s why He came. That’s why he was born.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'”

The shepherds were humble and lowly people who were chosen by God to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. This shows that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of their status or position in society.

Why did God chose the shepherds to receive the news of Jesus’ birth?  No one is too low for Jesus. He came for all people. Great and small. 

Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s love and grace in many ways. God’s love is unconditional. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God’s grace is available to all. Jesus came for everyone. No matter what they have done. God’s grace is unmerited, unearned, and undeserved.

God’s love is the focus. Christmas is about God’s love and mercy. It’s a time to focus on the good news of God’s love, not the ban news of our failures.

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” 

The birth of Jesus was a significant event, not only for the shepherds but for all of humanity. God sent His Son to be our Savior, showing His love and grace to everyone, even the humblest among us. Let us remember to share the Good News with others and help them understand the love of God revealed through the birth of Jesus Christ.

 Have you ever wondered why the birth of Jesus is so important to us? Why do we celebrate it every year with such joy and enthusiasm? It’s because Jesus’ birth was not just an ordinary event; it was the beginning of God’s great plan to bring salvation to all people, including you and me.

Isn’t it amazing to think that God chose shepherds, simple and humble people, to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth? This shows us that God’s love and grace are for everyone, no matter who we are or where we come from. And that, my dear friends, is something worth celebrating!

 How can we share this message with others? It’s simpler than you might think. We can start by living our lives in a way that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. By showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us, we can demonstrate the power of God’s love and inspire others to seek Jesus as their Savior.

Thank you, Jesus for your love and care. Thank you for coming into our world to be our Savior, Lord and King. [1]  

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[2]

 

Image of the Infant Christ copyright Higher Things Ed Raijas 

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[1] Luke 2:1-14 - The Birth of Jesus Announced to the Shepherds | PDF Sunday School Works!

[2] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

Thursday prior to Advent 3

[1]

 James 5:7-11 – Be patient in waiting for the Lord’s return. In our Epistle lesson, James expresses patience in waiting for the Lord’s return.

He exhorts us to patiently wait for the Messiah’s Second Coming. Since Jesus is the Messiah, He is worth waiting for with patience.

Many lack the virtue of patience. We are like the one who prayed, “Lord make me patient – and right now!”  We are in “instant” people – instant coffee, instant news coverage, instant service, instant relief from prescription drugs. If God does not respond instantly we become impatient.

We can easily forget that God has eternity while we have only time. God is never in a hurry as we are. He does not need to be in a hurry with eternity at his disposal. In this Sunday’s epistle James deals with the problem of Christ’s return. Why does he not come now? It helps us to be patient if we agree that he will be worth the waiting.

So, how do we learn patience while waiting for Christ’s return?

Know that he surely is coming – You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. v. 8

Follow the example of the patient ones – Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains… As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Vv. 7, 10

Accept the fact that he is coming as judge and king – Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. v. 9

Yes, patience is a virtue. Stay calm, remain focused, be…patient!

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world.[2]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Advent 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

 

Wednesday prior to Advent 3

[1]

Isaiah 35:1-10 – When God comes to save His people, they will enjoy paradise.  The Old Testament lesson speaks of the conditions resulting from God’s coming to His people. When God comes to save His people, they will enjoy paradise. Advent 3 deals with the identity of the Messiah. At the second coming, the promised paradise will become a reality. Our lesson shows us what kind of world we will have when the Lord comes to save us:  paradise, healing and joy.

Isaiah lived close to seven hundred years before Jesus was born. Yet inspired by the Spirit he will predict with pinpoint precision exactly what the coming Messiah will do. For years Israel had dreamed of the LORD’s coming in the person of the Messiah to deliver the nation from its bondage. The prophets promised that the Father would send this Messiah. For centuries Israel hoped for the Messiah to come. Then there appears a man of Nazareth who makes the claim that he is the Messiah. Shall he be believe and accepted as such? Does he fill the bill so to speak as described by the prophet? Did Jesus make things happen as the prophets foretold?

Comparing the Old Testament lesson with the Gospel lesson appointed for this Sunday we see that Jesus fulfilled each of the promises Isaiah had predicted in Matthew 11:5

Ø  Isaiah had promised the blind shall see v.5a; In Jesus’ ministry the prophecy is fulfilled; the blind receive their sight.

Ø  Isaiah had promised the deaf shall hear in v. 5a; In Jesus’ ministry the prophecy is fulfilled; the deaf hear.

Ø  Isaiah had promised the lame shall walk in v. 6; In Jesus’ ministry the lame walk.

Ø  Isaiah had promised the people would rejoice with singing in v. 2; In Jesus’ ministry the poor have the good new preached to them. 

In His ministry Jesus fulfills the promises the prophets had predicted in the Old Testament. Jesus is the yes and Amen to all of the Father’s promises

Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent: Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[2]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Advent 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 

Tuesday prior to Advent 3

[1]

 Psalm 146, key verse, 1b – “Praise the lord, O my soul!” The Psalm appointed for this coming Sunday is an exhortation to trust in the Lord and is the first of five Hallelujah psalms with which the Psalter closes. This, and the remaining four psalms, are all framed with Hallelujahs.

This psalm (and each of Psalms 147-150), begins and ends with the exhortation, “Praise the Lord” (“Hallelujah”). We should not use hallelujah loosely, lest we be guilty of taking the Lord’s name in vain. It should be a genuine expression of praise to the Lord. It is interesting that hallelujah first occurs in the Psalms in Psalm 104:35 and it only occurs 23 times in the Psalms (104:35; 105:45; 106:1, 48; 112:1; 113:1, 9; 115:18; 116:19; 117:2; 135:1, 3, 21; 146:1, 10; 147:1, 20; 148:1, 14; 149:1, 9; 150:1, 6). Also, no psalm that is labeled as “A psalm of David” contains the word hallelujah.[2]

In Psalm 146:1-2, we see the psalmist always praising the Lord. In verses 3-4, he tells us in whom not to trust and thus, by implication, in whom always to trust. In verses 5-10, he shows that we praise and trust in the almighty Lord. In Him we are blessed.

Collect for Psalm 146: God of Glory and power, happy indeed are those who have put their trust in you. Shine the brightness of your light upon us, that we may love you always with a pure heart and praise you forever; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]  

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://bible.org/seriespage/psalm-146-

[3] Collect for Psalm 146, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.1, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1995 Delhi, NY

 

Monday Prior to Advent 3

 [1]

Advent three deals with the identity of the Messiah. The Gospel lesson (Matthew 11:2-11) assures us that Jesus is the Messiah promised of old and that John the Baptizer is the greatest of the prophets because he prepared the way for the Messiah. The Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 35:1-10) shows what kind of world we will have when the Lord comes to save us; utopia, paradise, healing and joy. The Epistle lesson (James 5:7-10) takes us to the post-Easter experience when followers of the Messiah are urged to patiently wait for his Second Coming.

At this Second Coming, the promised paradise in the Old Testament lesson will become a reality. Since Jesus is the Coming One, He is worth waiting for with patience. In the Prayer for the Day we ask for “the wisdom to see Your purpose” the purpose of Christ is seen in the works of Jesus.

In the Gospel we come to the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah. In the Old Testament we are given a description of the conditions resulting from the messiah’s coming to earth. Here we see the fulfillment of these conditions in Jesus’ ministry.

But, the question may be asked, “Why do these conditions not exist on earth since Jesus came about 2000 years ago?”

The answer is given by James in the Epistle lesson who exhorts us to patiently wait for the Messiah’s Second Coming when these conditions will become a reality for all of God’s people.

Psalm 85 - The Antiphon for this coming week’s Introit comes from verse 7, Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord; and grant us Your salvation. God’s sure mercies to His people spring from His covenant of live, to which in His faithfulness and righteousness He remains true, and that assures His people will receive His abiding peace.

Collect for Psalm 85: God of love and faithfulness, you so loved the world thsat you gave your only Son to be our Savior. Help us to receive him both as Lord and brother and freely celebrate him as our gracious Redeemer now and forever.[2]

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[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Collect for Psalm 85, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY

 

Advent 3 Series A study notes

 

Isaiah 35:1–10
James 5:7–11
Matthew 11:2–15

Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayer and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation;  

The Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ Brings True Rejoicing, Even Under the Cross

Sometimes life requires the astonishing patience of Job. Like him, we are to rejoice in the midst of affliction, be grounded in repentance under the cross of Christ and hope relentlessly in His resurrection, that we might see “the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). Therefore, in the promise of the Gospel, “be patient” and “establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8). Like John the Baptist, whatever your own kind of prison or suffering may be, call upon Jesus and receive the strength of His Word from those He sends to you. For as “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up” (Matthew 11:5), so is the Good News of Jesus preached to you also. He comes and restores the fortunes of Zion, His holy Church, so that “sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).

Mathew 11:2-15

Messengers sent from John ~ 

Matthew 11:2 

Ὁ δὲ Ἰωάννης ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ χριστοῦ πέμψας [a]διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ 

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Matthew 11:3 

 εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Σὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἢ ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν; 

and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, (technical term for the Messiah, 'the Advent one'...) or shall we look (expect)  for another?"

Release from the prison (see Isaiah's prophecy) has not happened yet...

This is the Devil's temptation, "did God say?"

John's "best life now" is not very wonderful.  Yet he sends his hearers to Christ.  

Circumstances do not dictate strength of faith. 

The question is asked in faith. Thus it is a good question.  

Matthew 11:4

καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Πορευθέντες ἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ ἃ ἀκούετε καὶ βλέπετε· 

And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:

Matthew 11:5 

τυφλοὶ ἀναβλέπουσιν καὶ χωλοὶ περιπατοῦσιν, λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται καὶ κωφοὶ ἀκούουσιν, [b]καὶ νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται καὶ πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται·

the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 

(Literally "are evangelized")

The blind "look up" they see from above. 

The expected Messiah is here.

Pay attention to the verbs, because of Jesus, we are “raised up,” “cleansed,” “healed,” “have good news preached.”

Matthew 11:6 

καὶ μακάριός ἐστιν ὃς [c]ἐὰν μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί.

And blessed is the one who is not offended (scandalized on behalf of) by me." 

See the beatitudes of Jesus, "on account of Me"

The scandal is whom He will associate the poor, lowly, sick, imprisoned, weak, etc. 

How does God come to us? 

Matthew 11:7

Τούτων δὲ πορευομένων ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγειν τοῖς ὄχλοις περὶ Ἰωάννου· Τί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι; κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον;  

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: 

Matthew 11:8 

ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν; ἄνθρωπον ἐν [d]μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον; ἰδοὺ οἱ τὰ μαλακὰ φοροῦντες ἐν τοῖς οἴκοις τῶν [e]βασιλέων [f]εἰσίν. 

What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

Jesus will ask three questions. "What did you go out to see?"  Defending John and speaks of the scandals that come in following Jesus.

"What did you go out into the wilderness to see?” A reed shaken by the wind?

John is an enemy of the king...thrown into prison, who will die a martyr's death.

Matthew 11:9

 ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε[g]; προφήτην ἰδεῖν; ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν, καὶ περισσότερον προφήτου. 

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:10

[h]οὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται· Ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου, ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου. 

This is he of whom it is written, "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' 

 “Behold" Ἰδοὺ right here and now, before your face, in present existence, in time and space, “I send you my messenger –“  

"More than a prophet," is explained in v.11

Matthew 11:11

ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐκ ἐγήγερται ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν μείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ· ὁ δὲ μικρότερος ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν. 

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he

This is a reference to Christ, ('let him who is great among you be the servant') and to the apostles ('one untimely born') 

Remember in Matthew's gospel less is great. 

Matthew 11:12

ἀπὸ δὲ τῶν ἡμερῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ ἕως ἄρτι ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν βιάζεται, καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν. 

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

Pharisees by the law, Zealots by terrorism, pagans by slaughter, e.g. Pilot mixing the blood of the sacrifice with worshippers.

The "days of John Baptist" are defined in vs. 13. John has a foot in both Testaments... He is the embodiment of all the Old Testament prophets and clearly proclaims Christ. 

Matthew 11:13

πάντες γὰρ οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος ἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν· 

For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,

Matthew 11:14

καὶ εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι, αὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλίας ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι. 15 ὁ ἔχων [i]ὦτα ἀκουέτω. 

and if you are willing to accept it, (willing to receive it) he is Elijah who is to come. He points to Christ, I will send you the prophet See the last verses of Malachi 

Matthew 11:15

ὁ ἔχων [i]ὦτα ἀκουέτω.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.  

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software

Saturday prior to Advent 2

[1]

 

—Isaiah 40:3; Mathew 3:1-6- Sunday’s Hymn of the Day is On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s Cry. (LSB #344). This great Advent hymn is in harmony with the Gospel lesson. When the Baptist started preaching a message of repentance his words often were not heeded. As you sing this great hymn let the words speak to you. May the Lord prepare you to receive Christ joyfully this Advent/Christmas season and expect to see Him soon as we anticipate His return in glory.

Concerning the author of this hymn; Charles Coffin, born at Buzaney (Ardennes) in 1676, died 1749, was principal of the college at Beauvais, 1712 (succeeding the historian Rollin), and rector of the University of Paris, 1718. He published in 1727 some, of his Latin poems, for which he was already noted, and in 1736 the bulk of his hymns appeared in the Paris Breviary of that year. In the same year he published them as Hymni Sacri Auctore Carolo Coffin, and in 1755 a complete ed. of his Works was issued in 2 vols. To his Hymni Sacri is prefixed an interesting preface. The whole plan of his hymns, and of the Paris Breviary which he so largely influenced, comes out in his words.

Translator John Chandler, one of the most successful translators of hymns, was born at Witley in Surrey, June 16, 1806. He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, B.A. 1827, M.A. 1830. Ordained deacon in 1831 and priest in 1832, he succeeded his father as the patron and vicar of Whitley, in 1837. His first volume, entitled The Hymns of the Primitive Church, now first Collected, Translated and Arranged, 1837, contained 100 hymns, for the most part ancient, with a few additions from the Paris Breviary of 1736. Four years later, he republished this volume under the title of hymns of the Church, mostly primitive, collected, translated and arranged for public use, 1841.[2]

Lord, free us from our sins and make us whole. Hear our prayer, and prepare us to celebrate the incarnation of Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen [3]

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[1] Advent copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] https://hymnary.org/text/on_jordans_bank_the_baptists_cry

[3] An Advent Collect, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis