The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

The liturgical color for the day is: Purple or Blue.

With the Second Sunday of Advent comes that voice crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”  Mark opens his Gospel with the echo of the Prophet Isaiah’s words as John the baptizer appears “in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark1:4)  John’s proclamation: “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7-8)

In classic artwork, John is often depicted with his finger pointing.  He is pointing the way.  That is what we do—we point the way to Christ.  Our calling as preachers, teachers, and congregations is to be disciples who are always pointing the way to the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 

A traditional hymn for the Second Sunday of Advent is, “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry.”  While perhaps not the liveliest tune, do not overlook this hymn as a good option for congregational singing.  Note especially the strong theological stance that echoes a solid Reformed perspective in the third verse where the metaphor of Isaiah 40:6-8 is incorporated:

                We hail you as our Savior, Lord,
                Our refuge and our great reward;
                Without your grace we waste away
                Like flowers that wither and decay.

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk