Isaiah 63:7-9. A Psalm of praise for God’s love for God’s people, and God’s deliverance and mercy which carries them. Psalm 148. A call for creation to praise God, for God’s glory is over all, and God uplifts and strengthens God’s people. Hebrews 2:10-18. Through Jesus, who became human, like us, and who was tempted,...
Bible Readings. Isaiah 7:10-16. God promises a sign for King Ahaz, who is looking to Assyria for assistance with the threats of neighbouring Damascus and Samaria, that a virgin will give birth and call the child “Immanuel”, and that the enemy nations will be desolate before the child knows good from evil. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19....
Bible Readings. Isaiah 35:1-10. God’s promise to restore God’s people, creating a land of peace and prosperity for them, and providing a safe and sure way for them to return home,guaranteeing their arrival in God’s Zion where they will find gladness, joy and peace. Luke 1:46b-55. Mary’s song of praise to the God who has...
Bible Readings. Isaiah 11:1-10. Isaiah proclaims the coming of the “shoot from the stump of Jesse”who, through God’s Spirit resting on him, will bring peace, justice, righteousness and equity to the earth. Psalm 72:1-7, 18-21. A prayer for the King to rule wisely and justly, protecting the weak and vulnerable and refreshing the world and...
Bible Readings. Isaiah 2:1-5. A prophecy of the days when all people will seek to learn God’s ways,and God will teach them justice and peace; and an invitation to walk in God’s light. Psalm 122. A song of celebration for Jerusalem, the place of worship, the place where God’s people are taught and led by...
Bible Readings. Jeremiah 23:1-6. A prophecy of judgement on the unrighteous rulers of God’s people, and a promise of a new, righteous leader from David’s line. Luke 1:68-79.: Zechariah’s song proclaiming God’s fulfilment of the promise to send a righteous ruler from David’s line, and celebrating his son, John, as God’s prophet. Colossians 1:11-20. In...
Bible Readings. Isaiah 65:17-25. Isaiah’s vision of a new heaven and new earth, a place where God dwells, and where all people enjoy prosperity, health, well-being and long life. Isaiah 12. A promise that a time is coming when God’s people will call on God and be delivered, when they will praise God for God’s goodness...
Bible Readings. Haggai 1:15b-2:9. God comforts the returning exiles as they grieve the loss of former glory, and face the reality of a new, simpler, less prosperous and glamorous life. God’s presence is assured and a future glory is offered as comfort and inspiration. Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21. God is worthy of praise, fair and faithful,...
Readings. Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4. Habakkuk complains to God that justice is perverted and God’s help does not come, but then, as he waits for God’s answer, God’s word comes to him offering him a vision of the downfall of the proud and the vibrant life of the righteous. Psalm 119:137-144. The psalmist celebrates God’s regulations,...
Joel 2:23-32. God promises restoration from the judgement (what the locusts have eaten) and the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all of God’s sons and daughters. Psalm 65. Praise for the God who answers prayer, who forgives sin, who formed the earth and who sends rain to bring an abundant harvest. 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18. Paul...
