Introduction : The Messiah is coming, the Light is shining, the glory of God in the world, which has long been waiting for His coming. For the prophecy has been fulfilled, according to what is written : « The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined » Isa 9:2. And to all those who were waiting for it, the Lord sent this reassuring message: « Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you » Isa 60:1-2. The coming of the Messiah who brings and produces the Light is a moment to be used, so Jesus says: « Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness does not overtake you: he who walks in darkness does not know where he goes » Jn 12:35b,c. The Apostle Paul then declares: « The night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us walk decently as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in illicit sex and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires » Rom 13:12-14. The « children of God« are children of the light and have the duty to walk in the light, as well as to reveal the light as witnesses to illuminate their surroundings. For it is written: « Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light » Eph 5:8. They are in fact witnesses to the Lord’s cause who obey His word saying: « Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them » Eph 5:11. Indeed, Jesus says: « I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life » Jn 8:12.
Monday, 19th: The Messiah comes, the Light rises.
« Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! » Isa 2:5.
Reading 1: Jn 12:31-36. Reading 2: Isa 2:2-5. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Isa 2:4-5.
Introduction: God calls and invites all men to come to His light; it is the glory of God that is manifested to redeem sinners, delivering them from the slavery of sin and the dark works of the devil. Indeed, Jesus declares: « So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed » Jn 8:36. Follow Jesus, for He says: « I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life » Jn 8:12.
Tuesday, 20th: Prepare the way for the Messiah.
« Make straight the way of the Lord » Jn 1:23.
Reading 1: 2 Pet 2:4-10. Reading 2: Jn 1:19-28. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Jn 1:23.
Introduction: Undoubtedly, the Messiah will appear, blessed is he who sees His glory. For the Lord said: « With the pure you show yourself pure, and with the crooked you show yourself shrewd » 2 Sam 22:27. Paul wrote: « The Lord knows those who are his […]. In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary » 2 Tim 2:19a, 20. Be cleansed by the blood of Jesus, for He affirms: « Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God » Mt 5:8.
Wednesday, 21st: The Messiah is coming, joy to all men!
« Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice » Phil 4:4.
Reading 1: Ps 95:1-5. Reading 2: Phil 4:4-7. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Phil 4:4.
Introduction: Although in prison, the Apostle Paul continued to reveal the power of the Gospel, « the word of God [which] is not chained » 2 Tim 2:9b, encouraging believers to share his joy in the Lord. The Messiah did come, and came for His people; so they could not be prevented from rejoicing in Him. Jesus urged: « Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete » Jn 16:24b.
Thursday, 22nd: The Messiah is manifested, life for men.
« This life was revealed, and we have seen it » 1 Jn 1:2a.
Reading 1: 1 Cor 15:1-11. Reading 2: 1 Jn 1:1-7. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 1 Jn 1:2.
Introduction: The appearance of the Messiah is the end of death and the dead works of sin. The Apostle Paul exclaimed: « Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? » Rom 7:24b, « The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set [me] free from the law of sin and of death » Rom 8:2.Jesus said: « I came that they may have life and have it abundantly » Jn 10:10b.
Friday, 23rd: The appearance of the glory of God, glory of believers.
« When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory » Col 3:4.
Reading 1: Mt 25:31-34. Reading 2: Col 3:1-4. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Col 3:4.
Introduction: The glory of believers is the exaltation of the Lord among them, who reveals His glory and shares it with His people. The Apostle John said: « When he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is » 1 Jn 3:2. For it is written: « And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified » Rom 8:30.
Saturday, 24th: The appearance of the glory of God, the rest for His people.
« And on earth peace among those whom he favors! » Lk 2:14b.
Reading 1: 2 Thess 1:1-10. Reading 2: Lk 2:8-14. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Lk 2:14.
Introduction: The Messiah of God, in His appearance, brings peace, which is rest. This is based on reconciliation with God. Jesus said: « Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him » Jn 3:17. He said: « Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you » Jn 14:27.
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