Bible Readings and Reflections

Advent, 2020

Sunday, November 29, 2020 – First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Mark 13:24-37

Today’s readings begin from a place of darkness and remind us that the

people in the Bible were waiting for salvation, redemption, the intervention of a compassionate God.  We, too, find ourselves waiting in a kind of limbo to put Covid behind us and get back to our remembered normal lives.  Advent reminds us that the light shines in the darkness.

Sunday, December 6, 2020 – Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

Isaiah begins today’s reading with what is called “The Book of Comfort.”  When Israel had been conquered by Babylon, Isaiah reminded them that God still cared, and would restore their fortunes.  God cares about us, too, even in our darkest moments.

Sunday, December 13, 2020 – Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Ps 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Later on Jesus will quote Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, anointed me to bring good news to the poor...”  What would “good news to the poor” look like, sound like, and feel like in today’s world?  How can we help to make that happen?

Sunday, December 20, 2020 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:26-55; Romans 16:25-27

The reading in Luke contains Mary’s “Magnificat,” in which she glorifies God for having blessed her with her child.  Now that we are almost to Christmas, we are openly celebrating God’s righting of the world: “God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.”  Note: this isn’t just charity.  This is a radical restructure of social and political relationships to reflect God’s reign.