Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Third Sunday of Advent.
In this Sunday’s sermon, I invite us to reflect on John the Baptist’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord.” In the wilderness, John reminds us that God’s plan includes each of us, no matter how small our role may seem. Through God’s tender mercy, we are guided to smooth the rough places in our hearts and lives, trusting that Christ’s light will lead us into peace.
Advent 3 Candle Prayer
Gracious God, as we light the third candle of Advent, we remember John the Baptist’s call to bear fruits worthy of repentance. You call us to live with integrity, generosity, and love, even in a world burdened by brokenness and deceit.
May this flame remind us of the joy that comes from living in your truth and sharing your love. Help us to reflect your kingdom in our actions, to stand for honesty and justice, and to be a light in the darkness. May our lives proclaim your good news to a world longing for renewal.
As we continue this Advent journey, we cry out with confidence and expectation: Lord Jesus, come soon! Amen.
Today’s Opening Sentence
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted. – Isaiah 61:1
Today’s Reading – Luke 3:7–18
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.” 1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- What does “bearing fruit worthy of repentance” look like in your daily life? Consider specific actions you can take to reflect generosity, integrity, and love in your relationships and community.
- In what ways have you grown desensitized to dishonesty or brokenness in the world around you? How might recognizing this help you turn back to God and live more truthfully?
- How can you embody John’s call to share with those in need, be fair in your dealings, or avoid exploiting others? Reflect on how these practices can reveal God’s love to others.
- Where do you see signs of God’s kingdom breaking into this broken world? How can your actions contribute to that ongoing work of renewal and hope?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ↩︎