Category Archives: Advent

The Season after Pentecost: Proper 28, Year B

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Hope for the future 1 Samuel 1:4-20 Canticle: The Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10) Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 In the Hebrew Bible reading we hear the story of the birth of the prophet Samuel, on whom the … Continue reading →

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Advent 4, Year B

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Sharon Ely Pearson

A mystery is revealed. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 Today’s readings invite us to respond to the wonder and mystery of God with a clear and joyful “yes.” In 2 Samuel, God surprises David … Continue reading →

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Advent 3: Year B

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Prepare the Way Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 John the Baptist’s ministry was vital for developing the climax of God’s revelation. The thread of Hebrew religious history had to be brought together to prepare … Continue reading →

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Advent 2: Year B

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Repent Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a, 18 Mark 1:1-8 John’s ministry is one of preparation, calling people to repentance, baptism, confession and forgiveness – the elements of our own preparation for encountering the living God. There is … Continue reading →

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Advent 1: Year B

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Watch. Wait. Be ready. Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-18 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Mark 13:24-37 Chapter 13 of Mark is full of ominous signs and strong words of advice. It may seem obscure to us today, but it is full of distinctly … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: Year A

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Name the child “Emmanuel” Isaiah 7:10-17 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus includes a quotation from Isaiah, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called … Continue reading →

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Advent 3: Year A

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Sharon Ely Pearson

The promised day of God is dawning Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:4-9 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Advent is also a desert time. But soon joy shall come, as written in this Hebrew traditional song: Joy shall come even to the wilderness, … Continue reading →

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Advent 2: Year A

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Sharon Ely Pearson

A voice in the wilderness crying Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 During Advent we are called to prepare the way of the Lord. Through repentance we are able to prepare our hearts to accept the gift … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: Year C

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Pregnancy and Promise Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) “Advent is the waiting season, hoping to be rediscovered. She is seasoned waiting, wishing wisdom and pregnant with promised life. She is a season conceived each day.” Joseph … Continue reading →

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Advent 3: Year C

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Sharon Ely Pearson

Rejoice! Zephaniah 3:14-20 Canticle 9 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 The Advent season combines a sense of joyous hope in God’s coming with the power in the fullness of time, as well as the radical call for repentance (a life turned … Continue reading →

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