Lessons for December 2, 2008 – First Sunday of Advent

The first lesson

Isaiah 2:1-5
 
    This is another vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:  [2] In the last days, the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. [3] Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of the God of Israel. There he will teach us his ways, so that we may obey him." For in those days the Lord's teaching and his word will go out from Jerusalem. [4] The Lord will settle international disputes. All the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end. [5] Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the Lord!  (NLT)

Psalm 122

L.  I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." 
C.  And now we are standing here inside your gates, O Jerusalem. 
L.  Jerusalem is a well-built city, knit together as a single unit. 
C.  All the people of Israel—the Lord's people—make their pilgrimage here.
L.  They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord as the law requires. 
C.  Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
L.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. 
C.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. 
L.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be with you." 
C.  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.  (NLT)

The second lesson

Romans 13:11-14
 
    Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. [12] The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. [13] We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. [14] But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.  (NLT)

The Gospel Lesson

Matthew 24:36-44 

    "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.  [37] "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. [38] In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. [39] People didn't realize what was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 
[40] "Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. [41] Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. [42] So be prepared, because you don't know what day your Lord is coming. [43] "Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would stay alert and not permit the house to be broken into. [44] You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected.  (NLT)