Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:23-29 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Devotion
“Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn.” How do we hear those words? We have been promised that the “new morn” brings healing, new life, justice and peace. It is said that the only sin in the Gospel of John is unbelief. In Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed he says, “I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.”
Prayer
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Prayer of the Day, Fourth Sunday of Advent, ELW)