The Fourth Sunday of Advent

OT: Isaiah 40:1-11

OTA: Hosea 2:14-23

NT: Romans 15:14-32

NTA: Acts 16:25-40

CL: Mark 1:1-8

GA: Mark 6:1-6

Ps: Psalm 142:1-7

December 18^th

Collect of the Day:

Stir Up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Theme for the Week           Prepare the Way

Verse of the Week:  Mark 1:2b-3

Daily Bible Reading List:

Mon: Mark 1:1-8       Tues: Romans 15:14-32       Wed: Isaiah 40:1-11

Thurs: Isaiah 7:10-14           Fri: John 1:1-18

Catechism Reading:

The Second Petition

Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean?

The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer,

but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God's kingdom come?

God's kingdom comes

when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit,

so that by His grace we believe His holy Word

and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

The Third Petition

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean?

The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer,

but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God's will done?

God's will is done

when he breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose

of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature,

which do not want us to hallow God's name

or let His kingdom come;

and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith

until we die.

This is His good and gracious will.