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Third Sunday In Advent

Preaching
Third Sunday of Advent - A
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
E. Carver Mcgriff
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle A
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E); Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)

What a remarkably joyous poem we have here. In one sense, of course, its lyrical promise did not happen. This chapter is generally considered to date long after the original Isaiah and therefore applies to a later time in Jewish history. Still, the happy peace predicted here has not, as yet, come to Zion. I write shortly after seven little Israeli girls were murdered by a Jordanian gunman. The tragic strife which continues to bedevil the people of the Middle East is heartbreaking.
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Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
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Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
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This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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