Second Sunday Of Advent
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series IV
These verses open the second part of Isaiah dealing with the
exiles in Babylon. The opening verses constitute good news to a
people sitting in the darkness of bondage and despair. God tells
second Isaiah to comfort the people with the news of promised
deliverance. They have suffered enough. A highway is to be built
for God to come and rescue his people and bring them back to
their homeland. In contrast to Yahweh, man is as insecure and
temporary as grass. The only permanent thing is God's Word, which
comes now as promise. The people are not to look at themselves or
their condition, but to Yahweh who is all-powerful but yet so
very tender and gentle that he is like a good shepherd who
gathers his lambs and carries them home in his arms.
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-14 (L, RC); 2 Peter 3:8-15a (C); 2 Peter
3:8-15a-18 (E)
This pericope is taken from the latest book in the New
Testament. The delay of Jesus' return was a problem for these
Christians of the second century. They are reminded that God does
not keep time like people do. Though his parousia is delayed,
there is reason: God wishes to give all a chance to repent. The
end of the earth is pictured in terms of a conflagration. But
Christians see beyond the end to a new heaven and earth. This
passage was probably chosen because the author emphasizes the
need for Christ's people to be morally prepared for his coming by
having lives of holiness, godliness and peace.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 (C, E, L, RC)
Mark begins his gospel with a bold confession. Jesus is the
Son of God. For him this is gospel, good news. In accordance with
God's past promises in the Old Testament, Mark quotes from
Malachi and Isaiah to show that John the Baptist is the
forerunner of the Messiah. He prepared the way for Jesus by
calling the people to repent, confess their sins and be baptized.
In his preaching, John witnessed to Jesus as one greater than he
and as the one who would baptize with the Spirit.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 85 (E, L); Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (C) -- "Righteousness and
peace shall go before him." (v. 13)
Prayer Of The Day
"Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only
Son. By his coming give us strength in our conflicts and shed
light on our path through the darkness of this world."
Hymn Of The Day
"On Jordan's Banks The Baptist's Cry"
Theme Of The Day: Prepare For God's Coming
The dominant theme of this Sunday is preparation for Christ's
coming. John the Baptist (Gospel) is sent to prepare the people
for Christ's first coming by preaching a baptism of
repentance. In Lesson 1 Yahweh calls for a way to be prepared for
his coming. Lesson 2 deals with the second coming and the end of
the world. Christians are to prepare by living blameless lives.
The Psalm of the Day indicates that righteousness shall precede
God's coming. The Hymn of the Day refers to the work of the
baptist and calls on us to prepare our hearts for Christ's
coming. The Prayer of the Day harmonizes with the theme of
preparation, for we pray, "Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare
the way ..." On Advent 1 we were assured that Jesus is coming
again. This Sunday we prepare for his coming. As the gospel
suggests, he may be coming to some for the first time; for all he
will be coming a second time at the end of time.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
1. Beginning (v. 1). As the first book of the Old Testament
began, "In the beginning," so the first book chronologically of
the New Testament begins with "the beginning." The coming of
Christ marked the beginning of a new era, a new people and a new
covenant. There will never be another "beginning," for this
beginning has no ending. The Christ is eternal. His covenant is
everlasting. What he has started will never come to an end.
2. Gospel (v. 1). Mark announces his book as a "gospel." It is
not a history, not a biography, but good news for people who look
for deliverance from sin. What is the gospel? It is Jesus Christ,
Son of God. He is the best thing that ever happened or can happen
to the human race. Why? Because he is the "Son of God." This is
not a conclusion which is reached at the end of the story. It is
a thesis which will be demonstrated in the course of the story.
3. Repentance (v. 4). Repentance is the necessary preparation
for Christ's coming. Literally it is a change of mind, a re-
direction of one's life, and a turning or a returning to God.
Repentance involves an awareness and confession of sins. Advent
is a season of repentance symbolized by the liturgical color used
during the season -- violet. Yet we need to be careful that we do
not make repentance the good work which will earn Christ's coming
into our lives. By grace, Christ is coming, but repentance opens
us up and makes it possible for Christ to enter. In other words,
grace precedes repentance, not vice versa.
4. Baptized (v. 5). John baptized in the Jordan River. Whom
did he baptize? Jews baptized Gentile converts. Jews by
circumcision were initiated into the covenant of Israel. These
people who came to John were Jews. Nevertheless, John urged them
to repent and to be baptized as though they were pagans. It is
possible that "members" are in need of a fresh experience with
God and need to be renewed in faith. For Christians this does not
mean another baptism, but it can mean that there is a need for a
re-affirmation of our baptism.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11
1. Comfort (v. 1). "Comfort" implies that there is a need for
it. Behind it there is a state of sorrow and distress. At the
time this was written, the people were in the darkness of exile
in Babylon. They were captives in a foreign land. Does comfort
mean sympathy? It is more than that. The word means "with
strength." God will comfort his people by giving strength to
deliver them out of their trouble. Then they will be comforted.
2. Wilderness (v. 3). A highway for God was to be built in the
wilderness and desert. God will come to his people in the
wilderness. That is because that is where people are -- in the
wilderness of sin and in the desert of spiritual aridity. For 40
years the Israelites were in the wilderness with God, the place
where God made a covenant with them. To be with God and to
communicate with him, we need to get away from the affluence and
opulence, from the distractions of the world and from the
busyness of daily concerns. It is in the wilderness where we meet
God.
2. Behold (v. 10). The prophet asks the people to behold God.
In their captivity they have been looking at themselves and their
plight. Now they are to lift their heads and look
24
at God. Look at the God who has a mighty arm to deliver. Look at
the God who can still be as tender and gentle as a shepherd with
a lost and injured sheep. There is hope and comfort in a look at
God!
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-14
1. Slow (v. 9). Can God be accused of being "slow?" Christians
expected Christ's return to happen in their lifetimes. Now the
church is in the second century, and no parousia! It seems that
God is slow in fulfilling his promise to return in Christ. The
unknown author of 2 Peter reminds us that God's and humanity's
time are not the same. People have time but God has eternity. To
God, a thousand years is a day. The parousia is coming according
to God's schedule.
2. Forbearing (v. 9). Here is the reason for God's delay in
not returning Jesus to earth. God is "forbearing." He is patient
because he wants to give every person an opportunity to hear the
gospel and repent. God has no pleasure in the death of the
wicked. When people choose hell, God is defeated. It is his will
to save every person, to bring every person into his "rest."
Thus, if we repent, we are hastening the day of Jesus' return.
3. New (v. 13). Many Christians dread the idea of parousia,
for it means the end of the world. They shudder at the prospect
of the world going up in flames. We love the world, and we hate
to see it end. It gives us a sense of insecurity. What we
overlook is the newness that begins with the end. Christ will
bring a new heaven and earth which will be far better than this
world. It will be a new world of holiness, peace and joy in
Christ.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Can Christmas Be Meaningful?
Need: Unless this period of Advent is used for spiritual
preparation, Christmas will be just another holiday rather than a
holy day. The people are in the midst of preparations for
Christmas by shopping, selling, cooking and decorating. Spiritual
preparation is largely neglected. This is tragic because Christ
is not honored on his birthday and people do not experience a
rebirth in Christ. It needs to be stressed that this spiritual
preparation is not a condition that must be met to earn Christ's
coming. Repentance follows grace, not precedes it. Christ is
coming whether or not we are ready. If we are not, he passes us
by.
Outline: If Christ is to come to you this Christmas --
a. Look to God -- Lesson 1.
b. Re-direct your life -- Gospel.
c. Straighten out your life -- Lesson 2.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
1. Should Christmas be banned? 1:1
Need: In Mark's gospel there is no Christmas! It begins with
the adult Son of God. After John the Baptist's preparation for
Jesus, Jesus appears as a 30-year-old adult who seeks baptism. If
it were up to Mark, we would have no Christmas celebration.
Should we follow Mark as the Puritans did in the 17th century by
banning Christmas? In the light of the materialism and hedonism
of modern Christmases, maybe we should skip Christmas'
"sellabration." In this sermon we want to show the relative
unimportance of Christmas and to point to the real significance
of Christ's coming to the world.
Outline: What Christmas is all about --
a. Not how he was born: manger, virgin, angels, star.
b. But who was born -- "Son of God" -- v. 1.
c. But why he was born -- "Christ" -- v. 1.
2. U-turn permitted. 1:4 -- "Preaching a baptism of
repentance."
Need: Often on highways motorists see the sign, "No U-turn."
For a Christian a U-turn is not only permitted but regarded as
preparation for Christ's coming to us with forgiveness.
The U-turn is another expression for repentance: a change of mind
or a turning around (return). Repeatedly the scriptures exhort,
"Return to the Lord." It is expressed in the hymn, "Turn Back, O
Man, Forsake Your Foolish Ways."
Outline: For Christ to come to you, make a U-turn of
repentance.
a. Turn from materialism to spirituality.
b. Turn from a sinful to a holy life.
c. Turn from serving Satan to serving God.
3. On the road to Bethlehem. Mark 1:3; Isaiah 40:3, 4
Need: Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
They did not begin their journey the day before Christmas. They
started early enough that the child was born in Bethlehem
according to the prophecy. During Advent, we are on the road to
Bethlehem for the birth of Christ. Will we get there in time for
the Christ to be born anew in our hearts? It depends on the road
we travel and the kind of road it is. John the Baptist was sent
to urge us to build a road on which Christ would come and Isaiah
prescribes the kind of road we need to build.
Outline: The road that leads to Bethlehem --
a. A straight road of righteousness -- Isaiah 40:3.
b. A level road of humility -- Isaiah 40:4a.
c. A smooth road of graciousness -- Isaiah 40:4b.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E, L); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
1. Meeting God in a wilderness. 40:3
Need: The most unlikely place you would think of meeting God
would be in a wilderness or a desert. Yet the prophet calls for
the building of a road in the wilderness for God to come to his
people. For 40 years God was with his people in the wilderness.
There they made the Mosaic covenant. Then God was real to the
people. When they entered the land of milk and honey, they forgot
their God. In the condition of need and suffering we experience
the nearness of God.
Outline: Points where God comes to us --
a. In the wilderness of sin, he comes to us with grace.
b. In the wilderness of suffering, he comes to us with
comfort.
c. In the wilderness of loneliness, he comes to us as a
presence.
2. Comfort for the uncomfortable. 40:1-11
Need: When these words were written, God's people needed
comfort, for they had suffered much in exile. The comfort is
needed by every generation, for life can be hard. There are
tragedies occurring daily. Much suffering eventually comes to
everyone. How can God comfort us, a God high in the heavens, a
God invisible?
Outline: How God can comfort you --
a: God understands your plight -- vv. 1, 2.
b. God's word is eternal -- vv. 6-8.
c. God comes to deliver -- vv. 10-11.
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-15a (C, E); 2 Peter 3:8-14 (L, RC)
1. Why the delay? 3:8-10
Need: In the second century Christians asked why Jesus had not
returned. They expected him in the first century. Probably the
question, "Why the delay," was asked in each century thereafter.
He is to return soon. How long is soon? Is 20 centuries soon? The
text has an answer to the question.
Outline: Why the delay --
a. God has eternity -- v. 8.
b. God forbears to save us -- vv. 9, 15a.
c. God gives us time to be holy -- vv. 11, 14.
26
2. What sort of persons? 3:11, 14
Need: The practical implication of the parousia is that we
need to be in condition to receive Jesus. While waiting for his
return, Christians should be busy preparing themselves that they
may be fit to be in his presence. We have moral obligations to be
as he is in character and spirit.
Outline: What sort of persons need we be?
a. Persons of holiness -- vv. 11, 14.
b. Persons of godliness -- v. 11.
c. Persons of peace -- v. 14.
27
exiles in Babylon. The opening verses constitute good news to a
people sitting in the darkness of bondage and despair. God tells
second Isaiah to comfort the people with the news of promised
deliverance. They have suffered enough. A highway is to be built
for God to come and rescue his people and bring them back to
their homeland. In contrast to Yahweh, man is as insecure and
temporary as grass. The only permanent thing is God's Word, which
comes now as promise. The people are not to look at themselves or
their condition, but to Yahweh who is all-powerful but yet so
very tender and gentle that he is like a good shepherd who
gathers his lambs and carries them home in his arms.
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-14 (L, RC); 2 Peter 3:8-15a (C); 2 Peter
3:8-15a-18 (E)
This pericope is taken from the latest book in the New
Testament. The delay of Jesus' return was a problem for these
Christians of the second century. They are reminded that God does
not keep time like people do. Though his parousia is delayed,
there is reason: God wishes to give all a chance to repent. The
end of the earth is pictured in terms of a conflagration. But
Christians see beyond the end to a new heaven and earth. This
passage was probably chosen because the author emphasizes the
need for Christ's people to be morally prepared for his coming by
having lives of holiness, godliness and peace.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 (C, E, L, RC)
Mark begins his gospel with a bold confession. Jesus is the
Son of God. For him this is gospel, good news. In accordance with
God's past promises in the Old Testament, Mark quotes from
Malachi and Isaiah to show that John the Baptist is the
forerunner of the Messiah. He prepared the way for Jesus by
calling the people to repent, confess their sins and be baptized.
In his preaching, John witnessed to Jesus as one greater than he
and as the one who would baptize with the Spirit.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 85 (E, L); Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (C) -- "Righteousness and
peace shall go before him." (v. 13)
Prayer Of The Day
"Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only
Son. By his coming give us strength in our conflicts and shed
light on our path through the darkness of this world."
Hymn Of The Day
"On Jordan's Banks The Baptist's Cry"
Theme Of The Day: Prepare For God's Coming
The dominant theme of this Sunday is preparation for Christ's
coming. John the Baptist (Gospel) is sent to prepare the people
for Christ's first coming by preaching a baptism of
repentance. In Lesson 1 Yahweh calls for a way to be prepared for
his coming. Lesson 2 deals with the second coming and the end of
the world. Christians are to prepare by living blameless lives.
The Psalm of the Day indicates that righteousness shall precede
God's coming. The Hymn of the Day refers to the work of the
baptist and calls on us to prepare our hearts for Christ's
coming. The Prayer of the Day harmonizes with the theme of
preparation, for we pray, "Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare
the way ..." On Advent 1 we were assured that Jesus is coming
again. This Sunday we prepare for his coming. As the gospel
suggests, he may be coming to some for the first time; for all he
will be coming a second time at the end of time.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
1. Beginning (v. 1). As the first book of the Old Testament
began, "In the beginning," so the first book chronologically of
the New Testament begins with "the beginning." The coming of
Christ marked the beginning of a new era, a new people and a new
covenant. There will never be another "beginning," for this
beginning has no ending. The Christ is eternal. His covenant is
everlasting. What he has started will never come to an end.
2. Gospel (v. 1). Mark announces his book as a "gospel." It is
not a history, not a biography, but good news for people who look
for deliverance from sin. What is the gospel? It is Jesus Christ,
Son of God. He is the best thing that ever happened or can happen
to the human race. Why? Because he is the "Son of God." This is
not a conclusion which is reached at the end of the story. It is
a thesis which will be demonstrated in the course of the story.
3. Repentance (v. 4). Repentance is the necessary preparation
for Christ's coming. Literally it is a change of mind, a re-
direction of one's life, and a turning or a returning to God.
Repentance involves an awareness and confession of sins. Advent
is a season of repentance symbolized by the liturgical color used
during the season -- violet. Yet we need to be careful that we do
not make repentance the good work which will earn Christ's coming
into our lives. By grace, Christ is coming, but repentance opens
us up and makes it possible for Christ to enter. In other words,
grace precedes repentance, not vice versa.
4. Baptized (v. 5). John baptized in the Jordan River. Whom
did he baptize? Jews baptized Gentile converts. Jews by
circumcision were initiated into the covenant of Israel. These
people who came to John were Jews. Nevertheless, John urged them
to repent and to be baptized as though they were pagans. It is
possible that "members" are in need of a fresh experience with
God and need to be renewed in faith. For Christians this does not
mean another baptism, but it can mean that there is a need for a
re-affirmation of our baptism.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11
1. Comfort (v. 1). "Comfort" implies that there is a need for
it. Behind it there is a state of sorrow and distress. At the
time this was written, the people were in the darkness of exile
in Babylon. They were captives in a foreign land. Does comfort
mean sympathy? It is more than that. The word means "with
strength." God will comfort his people by giving strength to
deliver them out of their trouble. Then they will be comforted.
2. Wilderness (v. 3). A highway for God was to be built in the
wilderness and desert. God will come to his people in the
wilderness. That is because that is where people are -- in the
wilderness of sin and in the desert of spiritual aridity. For 40
years the Israelites were in the wilderness with God, the place
where God made a covenant with them. To be with God and to
communicate with him, we need to get away from the affluence and
opulence, from the distractions of the world and from the
busyness of daily concerns. It is in the wilderness where we meet
God.
2. Behold (v. 10). The prophet asks the people to behold God.
In their captivity they have been looking at themselves and their
plight. Now they are to lift their heads and look
24
at God. Look at the God who has a mighty arm to deliver. Look at
the God who can still be as tender and gentle as a shepherd with
a lost and injured sheep. There is hope and comfort in a look at
God!
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-14
1. Slow (v. 9). Can God be accused of being "slow?" Christians
expected Christ's return to happen in their lifetimes. Now the
church is in the second century, and no parousia! It seems that
God is slow in fulfilling his promise to return in Christ. The
unknown author of 2 Peter reminds us that God's and humanity's
time are not the same. People have time but God has eternity. To
God, a thousand years is a day. The parousia is coming according
to God's schedule.
2. Forbearing (v. 9). Here is the reason for God's delay in
not returning Jesus to earth. God is "forbearing." He is patient
because he wants to give every person an opportunity to hear the
gospel and repent. God has no pleasure in the death of the
wicked. When people choose hell, God is defeated. It is his will
to save every person, to bring every person into his "rest."
Thus, if we repent, we are hastening the day of Jesus' return.
3. New (v. 13). Many Christians dread the idea of parousia,
for it means the end of the world. They shudder at the prospect
of the world going up in flames. We love the world, and we hate
to see it end. It gives us a sense of insecurity. What we
overlook is the newness that begins with the end. Christ will
bring a new heaven and earth which will be far better than this
world. It will be a new world of holiness, peace and joy in
Christ.
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Can Christmas Be Meaningful?
Need: Unless this period of Advent is used for spiritual
preparation, Christmas will be just another holiday rather than a
holy day. The people are in the midst of preparations for
Christmas by shopping, selling, cooking and decorating. Spiritual
preparation is largely neglected. This is tragic because Christ
is not honored on his birthday and people do not experience a
rebirth in Christ. It needs to be stressed that this spiritual
preparation is not a condition that must be met to earn Christ's
coming. Repentance follows grace, not precedes it. Christ is
coming whether or not we are ready. If we are not, he passes us
by.
Outline: If Christ is to come to you this Christmas --
a. Look to God -- Lesson 1.
b. Re-direct your life -- Gospel.
c. Straighten out your life -- Lesson 2.
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
1. Should Christmas be banned? 1:1
Need: In Mark's gospel there is no Christmas! It begins with
the adult Son of God. After John the Baptist's preparation for
Jesus, Jesus appears as a 30-year-old adult who seeks baptism. If
it were up to Mark, we would have no Christmas celebration.
Should we follow Mark as the Puritans did in the 17th century by
banning Christmas? In the light of the materialism and hedonism
of modern Christmases, maybe we should skip Christmas'
"sellabration." In this sermon we want to show the relative
unimportance of Christmas and to point to the real significance
of Christ's coming to the world.
Outline: What Christmas is all about --
a. Not how he was born: manger, virgin, angels, star.
b. But who was born -- "Son of God" -- v. 1.
c. But why he was born -- "Christ" -- v. 1.
2. U-turn permitted. 1:4 -- "Preaching a baptism of
repentance."
Need: Often on highways motorists see the sign, "No U-turn."
For a Christian a U-turn is not only permitted but regarded as
preparation for Christ's coming to us with forgiveness.
The U-turn is another expression for repentance: a change of mind
or a turning around (return). Repeatedly the scriptures exhort,
"Return to the Lord." It is expressed in the hymn, "Turn Back, O
Man, Forsake Your Foolish Ways."
Outline: For Christ to come to you, make a U-turn of
repentance.
a. Turn from materialism to spirituality.
b. Turn from a sinful to a holy life.
c. Turn from serving Satan to serving God.
3. On the road to Bethlehem. Mark 1:3; Isaiah 40:3, 4
Need: Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
They did not begin their journey the day before Christmas. They
started early enough that the child was born in Bethlehem
according to the prophecy. During Advent, we are on the road to
Bethlehem for the birth of Christ. Will we get there in time for
the Christ to be born anew in our hearts? It depends on the road
we travel and the kind of road it is. John the Baptist was sent
to urge us to build a road on which Christ would come and Isaiah
prescribes the kind of road we need to build.
Outline: The road that leads to Bethlehem --
a. A straight road of righteousness -- Isaiah 40:3.
b. A level road of humility -- Isaiah 40:4a.
c. A smooth road of graciousness -- Isaiah 40:4b.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 40:1-11 (C, E, L); Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (RC)
1. Meeting God in a wilderness. 40:3
Need: The most unlikely place you would think of meeting God
would be in a wilderness or a desert. Yet the prophet calls for
the building of a road in the wilderness for God to come to his
people. For 40 years God was with his people in the wilderness.
There they made the Mosaic covenant. Then God was real to the
people. When they entered the land of milk and honey, they forgot
their God. In the condition of need and suffering we experience
the nearness of God.
Outline: Points where God comes to us --
a. In the wilderness of sin, he comes to us with grace.
b. In the wilderness of suffering, he comes to us with
comfort.
c. In the wilderness of loneliness, he comes to us as a
presence.
2. Comfort for the uncomfortable. 40:1-11
Need: When these words were written, God's people needed
comfort, for they had suffered much in exile. The comfort is
needed by every generation, for life can be hard. There are
tragedies occurring daily. Much suffering eventually comes to
everyone. How can God comfort us, a God high in the heavens, a
God invisible?
Outline: How God can comfort you --
a: God understands your plight -- vv. 1, 2.
b. God's word is eternal -- vv. 6-8.
c. God comes to deliver -- vv. 10-11.
Lesson 2: 2 Peter 3:8-15a (C, E); 2 Peter 3:8-14 (L, RC)
1. Why the delay? 3:8-10
Need: In the second century Christians asked why Jesus had not
returned. They expected him in the first century. Probably the
question, "Why the delay," was asked in each century thereafter.
He is to return soon. How long is soon? Is 20 centuries soon? The
text has an answer to the question.
Outline: Why the delay --
a. God has eternity -- v. 8.
b. God forbears to save us -- vv. 9, 15a.
c. God gives us time to be holy -- vv. 11, 14.
26
2. What sort of persons? 3:11, 14
Need: The practical implication of the parousia is that we
need to be in condition to receive Jesus. While waiting for his
return, Christians should be busy preparing themselves that they
may be fit to be in his presence. We have moral obligations to be
as he is in character and spirit.
Outline: What sort of persons need we be?
a. Persons of holiness -- vv. 11, 14.
b. Persons of godliness -- v. 11.
c. Persons of peace -- v. 14.
27
