Advent A3

With thanks to page sponsor:
journeywithjesus.net
Daniel B. Clendenin, PhD
A weekly webzine for the global church - lectionary essays, books, film, and poetry.
(Sept 07-08)

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:

Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, from the ELCA site.
Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
United Methodist lectionary readings.
Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
PCUSA - Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference, 2007.

Images and Movies:

Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- Advent/Waiting
- John the Baptist
- Links to general Advent images:
- Healing
Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
- John the Baptist Types
- Prophecy
- Wilderness (see also great "wilderness" images in Cast Away)
- Healing

Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):

Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Advent 3A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 3A, 2007. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 3, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
Preaching Helps (Advent 3A, 2007). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
Preaching Peace commentary, Advent 3, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
Advent Commentaries, Third Sunday in Advent, Mary H. Schertz, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Progressive Bible Study: Luke 1:47-55, James 5:7-10, Pastor Dan, Street Prophets.
Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 3A, 2007, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
Jesus Now, Advent 3A. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
SAMUEL, Advent 3, 2007, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
Third Sunday in Advent, December 16, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
Stories & Anecdotes, Advent 3, collected by Jack Lohr, Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Text Studies, Advent 3A, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
"Hope for the Poor," Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 3A, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
"A Secret to Failure," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
Starters for Sunday, 16 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
Estudio Exegético-Homilético, Diciembre de 2007, Instituto Universitario Isedet.

Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.

Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:

"Hear and See," Blogging Toward Sunday, Erin Martin, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2007.
Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, "The Upside Down Edition," RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2007.
"My Soul Proclaims: Submission and Subversion in Mary's Magnificat," guest essay by Sara Miles, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2007.
"Signs of God's Reign," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2007.
"What Can We Expect?" Keith A. Russell, Reflections on the Lectionary for December, 2007, The Living Pulpit.
"Impossible Possibilities," Randall C. Bailey, Christine Smith, Marvin M. Ellison, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign. (LGBT perspective)
Daily Reflection, Advent 3, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2007.
This Sunday's Readings, Third Sunday of Advent, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2007.
Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 3A, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
"Where God Was Homeless," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2004.
"Cellmates," Frederick Niedner, The Christian Century, 2004.
"Hope in the Toxic Wilderness," David Selzer, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
"Are you the one...?" Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
"God of the Wilderness," Michaela Bruzzese, "Digging for Treasure," Sojourners, 2004.
"A Desert in Bloom," Ruth A. Meyers. The Christian Century, 2001. Religion Online.
"Wake Up!" by Michaela Bruzzese. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2001.
"Exposed and Waiting," Rosalind Brown. Commentary from The Christian Century, November, 1998. At Religion Online.
Living the Word, by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary-based scripture commentary at Sojourner's Online, 1995.
Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.

Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)

"Are You the One Who Is to Come?" the Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Day 1, 2007.
Selected Sermon, Advent 3A (RCL), by the Rev. Frederic Guyott, III, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2007.
Selected sermon by the Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedus in Sermons that Work, ECUSA, 2004.
"Rejoice in the Lord!" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2004.
"Voice from a Galilean Jail," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2001.

Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:

Lectionary Notes, Advent 3, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
"What Should We Say about Mary?" study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Women and the Church," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus article: "What Should We Say about Mary?" Carole L. Baker. (Luke 1:26-45)
"Who's Hungry and Who Cares?" Psalm 146, study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Food and Hunger," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Advent A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
Proclaiming Faith, Advent 3A - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
Bible Study - Advent 3 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.

A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.

A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.

A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

The Text This Week's Advent Resources Page.

Richard and Charlene Fairchild's comprehensive "A Holy Christmas".

Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:

Worship Planning Helps (Advent 3, 2007): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
Gathering, Advent 3, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, etc.
"The One Who Is to Come," Third Sunday of Advent, Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2007.
LCA Worship Resources, Advent 3A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
Mustard Seeds, "Healing and Transformation," Advent 3A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 3, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
Worship Resources, Advent 3, (includes litanies, "artistic elements," etc), Rev. Nancy Townley, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
Liturgies Online, Advent 3, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 3A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
"Delight within a Complex World," Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Liturgy Alive, Advent 3, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
Liturgy for Advent, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Advent to the Southern Hemisphere.
Sermons and Liturgies for Advent 3A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada:
- "Sharing - An Incarnate Love"
- "Being Prepared: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Joy"
Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.

Advent Candle Liturgies

Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:

Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Advent 3, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
The Billabong, Advent 3, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker. Other Advent Resources.
Prayers of the People, Year A - Advent 3. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
Lector's Notes, Advent 3, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Advent 3A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 3A, 2007, Ciona D. Rouse, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
Offertory Prayers for December, 2007, Herb Mather, Director of the Center for Christian Stewardship, the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
Starters for Sunday, 16 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
Lighting of Advent Wreath Litanies for Year A, The Rev. Sheila N. McJilton, St Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, MD. Free use, please attribute to author.
"Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3A. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
Prayer of the Church, Advent 3, 2007, Let Us Pray, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.

Graphics and Multimedia:

Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
Free Public Domain Clipart for Church Bulletins: Isaiah 35, John the Baptist, Luke 1, Mary, Church Bulletin Resources.
Clip Art, Advent 3, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
Clip Art Images: Matthew 11:2-11, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
Advent 3 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
Mustard Seeds, "Healing and Transformation," Advent 3A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
Jacob's Well Advent Films and mp3 sermons.

Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):

"Building Hope with Bricks of Justice," Paul Bellan-Boyer, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
SAMUEL, Advent 3, 2007, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 3A, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.

Hymns and Music:

Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:

"The Heart of Love with Grace Abounds," F. Richard Garland, Advent Hymns with Lectionary Texts, Year A. United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
"The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
"Hearts," "Stand Firm," "How Long We've Waited," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, new hymns set to traditional tunes.

Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:

Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
Gathering, Advent 3, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc.
Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
Starters for Sunday, 16 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
Together to Celebrate, December 16, 2007, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3A. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
Sing for Joy, Advent 3A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.

Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)

Lectionary Puzzles, Advent 3. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.

With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)

Gathering, Advent 3, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, etc.
Proclaiming Faith, Advent 3A - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Advent, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
Ideas and Talks for Advent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.

Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)

"Life Sentence," Nadine Laughlin, dramatix.

A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.