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Lectionary
ADVENT 4 : 21 - 27 DECEMBER, 2008
THEME: ‘GLORY TO GOD
IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN AND PEACE TO HIS PEOPLE ON EARTH.’
READING: LUKE 2: 8-15
Joy always comes when a
couple that has waited for a long time to have a baby finally
succeeds. As God responded to their need, by blessing them,
they were filled with joy. They are reminded of God’s power
and mercy. As they look at the child, joy becomes part of
their life and peace becomes part of the wife’s life, because
the in-laws, friends, community and women will stop mocking
her. Joy has come, and people are rejoicing. The birth of the
Messiah was full of actions. The angels, shepherds, wise men
from the east, started their journey to meet the Lord. The
angels announced the good news; shepherds brought their gifts,
wise men followed. What a birth announcement! The shepherds
were terrified, but their fear turned into joy, especially
when the angels announced the Messiah’s birth. First, the
shepherds went to visit, and then they spread the word. They
were like modern time broadcasters spreading the good news to
the whole world. When one has good news, one cannot stop
talking about it. These days, Christmas is gravely
commercialized. The shops become full with gift items
associated with Christmas and people spend more money than
they do for the rest of the year. I am always reminded of the
birth of Jesus during December, when shops will play carols
such as:
“Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let
earth receive her king
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing”
When we sing these
carols full of joy, the questions I want to ask is, ‘Are we
ready to join the shepherds in spreading the news? Are we
ready to join the wise men on their way to Bethlehem?’ Yes!
Jesus is our Messiah, our Savior and Lord, if only we believe.
Do we look forward to meeting him in prayer and his word each
day? Have we discovered a Lord so wonderful that we can’t help
sharing your joy with others? Joy to the world!
Submitted by Professor Maake J.S. Masango
PRAYER
Eternal God, open our eyes to your glory
and our hearts to your presence, to respond with joy to the
angel’s song. May the joy of the hope that the birth of our
Saviour brings continue to resound in the African continent
through the coming years and for all times, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
11: 1 – 9; Titus 2: 11 – 15; Zechariah 2: 10 – 13; Isaiah 9: 2
– 7;John 1: 1 ‐14; Micah 5: 2 – 4
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