Sunday, December 20, 2020
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
To God alone be glory! All three lessons for this Fourth Sunday in Advent give us cause to glorify God. We give glory to God for the Christ who first came in the womb of the virgin at Bethlehem. We give glory to God for the Christ who continues to come to us through His Word and Sacraments, the means of grace. We give glory to God for the Christ who will come again on the Last Day. Our doxology is no generic praise and thanksgiving but the specific doxology to the Father for sending His Son with gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. This is the mystery, once hidden, and made plain in Christ.
READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT
Second Samuel 7:1-11, 16
(God promises that David’s throne shall endure forever.)
Psalm 89:1-5
EPISTLE READING
Romans 16:25-27
(The mystery long hidden has finally been revealed in Jesus Christ!)
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 1:26-38
(The annunciation of the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary and her faithful response.)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Come to us, O Lord, and speak Your grace into our fearful hearts, that we may follow blessed Mary’s example and trust in Your Word without doubt and live in obedience to Your Word all the days of our lives; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.