THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 12, 2021
AS WE GATHER
Today we rejoice. Zephaniah the prophet calls for rejoicing because the Lord is in the midst of His people. In Paul’s letter to the Church in Philippi, he repeatedly encourages the Church to rejoice, because the Lord’s coming is at hand. Our Lord came to us once, He will return, and even now is with us in Word and Sacrament. So rejoice!
BIBLE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Zephaniah 3:14–20 (Rejoice; the Lord is in your midst. He will rejoice over you.)
EPISTLE READING: Philippians 4:4–7
(Rejoice for the Lord is at hand.)
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 7:18–28
(The promised Messiah has indeed come.)