Waiting in Hope

In the fourth week of Advent, we focus on prophecies of the arrival of the Messiah. Isaiah foretells the coming of the Prince of Peace who will reign on the throne of David forever. In the first reading from Luke, Mary rejoices after her visit to Elizabeth, for she understands that her child will play a key role in God’s redemptive work. Paul reminds Titus that our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, has brought salvation to all. The second reading from Luke might more logically have come first this week, for it describes how Mary reveals the importance of her child in her song of rejoicing.

Read Isaiah 9:2-7. What title for Jesus stands out to you today? How does that inform your discipleship?
Read Luke 1:46-55. Consider how you magnify the Lord. How do you pass on your faith to future generations?
Read Titus 2:11-14. Why would today’s reading jump right to waiting for Jesus’ return? What does this say about his birth?
Read Luke 1:26-38. In this season of giving and receiving, how do you remember that God is the giver of all good gifts? How do you return your God-given gifts to God?