The Fourth Sunday of Advent | Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December 2020

This weekend is Saturday the 19 and Sunday the 20 December, the 4th Sunday of Advent. 

Gungor sings a setting of ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’. As you listen, are there any particular words or phrases in the song that speak to you today?

Romans 16:25-27

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever! Amen.

St Paul signs off his letter to the Romans with words of praise and glory to God: a doxology.  Pause for a moment to consider these words of deep worship from a man who started off his career in the persecution of Christians, and then allowed his life to be turned around after a dramatic encounter with God.

The mystery, kept secret for long ages, is now revealed; it was spoken about by the Old Testament prophets: The good news of Jesus Christ. Who is for all. What is your reaction to being part of this mystery?

“The only wise God”, “the eternal God”, “the God who strengthens us”.  How has this wise, eternal God strengthened you in the last week?  In the last year?

In this season of Advent, can you wait with this wise, eternal God who loves you and strengthens you?  As you listen to the passage again, consider the meaning of Advent, a demonstration of God’s deep love for us. For all of us. 

As this prayer time draws to a close, just allow whatever is on your heart to come to the surface, and speak with God Himself.   

O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Sun

King of the Nations

Emmanuel

Come, Lord Jesus