Sunday 28 November 2010<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>(First Sunday of Advent)<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal">DAILY LECTIONARY</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Email Evangelism, forward to a friend: http://www.dailylectionary.org</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Isaiah 1:1-9<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for the Lord has spoken:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I reared children and brought them up,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but they have rebelled against me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ox knows its owner,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the donkey its master’s crib;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but Israel does not know,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my people do not understand.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ah, sinful nation,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>people laden with iniquity,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">offspring who do evil,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>children who deal corruptly,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who have forsaken the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who have despised the Holy One of Israel,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who are utterly estranged!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why do you seek further beatings?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why do you continue to rebel?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The whole head is sick,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the whole heart faint.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the sole of the foot even to the head,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there is no soundness in it,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but bruises and sores</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and bleeding wounds;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they have not been drained, or bound up,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or softened with oil.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your country lies desolate,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your cities are burned with fire;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">in your very presence</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>aliens devour your land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And daughter Zion is left</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like a booth in a vineyard,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">like a shelter in a cucumber field,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like a besieged city.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If the Lord of hosts</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>had not left us a few survivors,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">we would have been like Sodom,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and become like Gomorrah.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 Peter 3:1-10</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour spoken through your apostles. First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died,* all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!’ They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgement and destruction of the godless.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,* not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Matthew 25:1-13</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids* took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.* Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids* got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids* came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 146, 147</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 146</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord, O my soul!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will praise the Lord as long as I live;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will sing praises to my God all my life long.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do not put your trust in princes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in mortals, in whom there is no help.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When their breath departs, they return to the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on that very day their plans perish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>whose hope is in the Lord their God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who made heaven and earth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the sea, and all that is in them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who keeps faith for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who executes justice for the oppressed;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who gives food to the hungry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord sets the prisoners free;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord loves the righteous.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord watches over the strangers;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he upholds the orphan and the widow,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord will reign for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your God, O Zion, for all generations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 147</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How good it is to sing praises to our God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord builds up Jerusalem;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he gathers the outcasts of Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He heals the broken-hearted,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and binds up their wounds.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He determines the number of the stars;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he gives to all of them their names.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his understanding is beyond measure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he casts the wicked to the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>make melody to our God on the lyre.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He covers the heavens with clouds,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>prepares rain for the earth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>makes grass grow on the hills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives to the animals their food,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and to the young ravens when they cry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His delight is not in the strength of the horse,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in those who hope in his steadfast love.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Praise your God, O Zion!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he strengthens the bars of your gates;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he blesses your children within you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He grants peace* within your borders;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he fills you with the finest of wheat.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sends out his command to the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his word runs swiftly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives snow like wool;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he scatters frost like ashes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He hurls down hail like crumbs—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who can stand before his cold?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sends out his word, and melts them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He declares his word to Jacob,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his statutes and ordinances to Israel.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has not dealt thus with any other nation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they do not know his ordinances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 111, 112, 113</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 111</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the company of the upright, in the congregation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Great are the works of the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>studied by all who delight in them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Full of honour and majesty is his work,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his righteousness endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord is gracious and merciful.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He provides food for those who fear him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he is ever mindful of his covenant.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has shown his people the power of his works,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in giving them the heritage of the nations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The works of his hands are faithful and just;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all his precepts are trustworthy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are established for ever and ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sent redemption to his people;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he has commanded his covenant for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Holy and awesome is his name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all those who practise it* have a good understanding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His praise endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 112</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Happy are those who fear the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who greatly delight in his commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their descendants will be mighty in the land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the generation of the upright will be blessed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wealth and riches are in their houses,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and their righteousness endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is well with those who deal generously and lend,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who conduct their affairs with justice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the righteous will never be moved;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they will be remembered for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are not afraid of evil tidings;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their righteousness endures for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their horn is exalted in honour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wicked see it and are angry;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they gnash their teeth and melt away;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 113</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise, O servants of the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>praise the name of the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed be the name of the Lord</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from this time on and for evermore.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the rising of the sun to its setting</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the name of the Lord is to be praised.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord is high above all nations,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his glory above the heavens.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who is like the Lord our God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who is seated on high,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">who looks far down</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on the heavens and the earth?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He raises the poor from the dust,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and lifts the needy from the ash heap,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">to make them sit with princes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with the princes of his people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He gives the barren woman a home,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>making her the joyous mother of children.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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