Dec. 5th - Second Sunday of Advent

(Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126; Phil 1:4-11; Lk 3:1-6)

Baruch was part of the Jewish aristocracy of Jerusalem and the manager of King Zedekiah’s household. Later he became a scribe/secretary for the prophet Jeremiah who prophesied before and during the Babylonian exile of Israel. This time of exile was a very troublesome time for Israel. The exile was important to Israel as a symbol of God’s justice and love.

The Psalm reminds us of the great things the Lord has done for us.

Paul is writing to the Philippians from prison. He urges the community to continue to grow in agape love, the kind of love that knows no bounds and that expects nothing in return. There are three things he requests in his prayer for the community: an abundance of love, greater knowledge, and discernment. Paul, like a good runner, has his eyes fixed on the finish line and encourages his fellow athletes in Christ to do the same.

This week, Luke introduces us to John the Baptist’s ministry; he’s the last prophet of the Old Covenant and the first prophet of the New Covenant. John is the great precursor of the Messiah that the prophet Isaiah had foretold. He is the precursor of Christ in our souls this Advent season.

• “The winding roads shall be made straight;” we follow our will, veer back to God, and often we have created a zigzag path. What does your path look like as we head into the second week of Advent?
• How does recognition and confession of our sins begin to straighten the paths of our lives?
• What are some ways in which you’ve experienced God’s grace keeping you on a straight path in your life?