Advent 4A

Advent A4
December 19, 2010

With thanks to page sponsor:
Tim Fleck, in thanksgiving for the ministry of
St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Lexington, Kentucky.011)

Click on Scripture Lessons below
for study links and resources:

Isaiah 7:10-16
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
Episcopal RCL reading: Isaiah 7:10-17

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 24:1-6
Episcopal RCL reading: Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 1:18-24

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.
- 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.
- 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.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Mary, Mother of Jesus
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 4A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "God With Us," Kate Huey, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2010.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Advent 4A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Preaching Helps (Advent 4A). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Advent 4, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Text Studies, Advent 4A, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 4, 2010, Jeanyne B. Slettom, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith." 2007 commentary, Paul S. Nancarrow.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Advent 4A, 2010, Post-Modern Sermon and Bible Study Resource, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Sermon Nuggets, Advent 4, 2010, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 23, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
- Starters for Sunday, 19 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2010.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2010.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS).
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:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Advent 4A, 2010. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
- Don't Be Afraid to Do This, Katherine Willis Pershey, Century Blog, 2010. 2007 commentary by Erin Martin.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, "At Last, the Beginning" RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2010.
- Advent Reflections, Phyllis Tickle, The Beatitudes Blog, 2010.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
- "Dreams of a Christmas Credo," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. "Who Wants to Wait?" guest essay by Lindsey Crittenden,, 2007. 2004 reflection by Dan Clendenin.
- Holding Hope: Everlasting Love, Ashley-Anne Masters, Expecting at Advent, Week 4, Kira Dault, Church Health Reader, 2010.
- Waiting for Emmanuel, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path, 2010.
- "The Annunciation to Joseph," Advent 4, Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2010. (Use of images.)
- "Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Confession," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2010.
- "What about Joseph?" Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life, ELCA, 2010.
- Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2010. Sermon by Dr. Edward Markquart, with PowerPoint.
- Daily Reflection, Advent 4A, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2010.
- This Sunday's Readings, (Advent 4A) Martin Warner, Church Times, 2010.
- "Is It Immanuel or Emmanuel?"Angela Bauer-Levesque, Randall C. Bailey, Caroline Redfearn, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2010. (LGBT)
- A Life-Giving Christmas, Rev. N. Neelley Hicks, United Methodist Communications: Sermon starters, practical application, individual challenge, outbound challenge, congregational response, social media, multimedia, reflection questions. (.pdf)
- "Lectionary Notes," Beth Quick, 2010.
- GodSpace Advent Blog, various authors, 2010.
- Bloomingcactus, Todd Weir, 2010.
- Pilgrim Preaching, Mary Hinkle Shore, 2010.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2010.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Dicese of Texas, 2010.
- Quadratos, Alexander J. Shaia, 2010.
- The Hardest Question, 2010.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2010.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2010.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2010.
- Chmod, Lectionary Journal of Andy Gay, 2010.
- Daily Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains.
- Fishhooks for Preaching, Rick McCracken-Bennett, 2010.
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2010.
- Homily Blog, Michael Hudson, 2010.
- Church in the World, Steve Godfrey, 2010.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2010.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions, Volume 2, and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2010.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2010.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2010.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2010.
- Common Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2010.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 4A, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
- "Flesh in Our Own Lives," Isaac Miller, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
- The Christian Century:
  - "What Child Is This?" Frederick Niedner, 2004.
  - "Practicing Fidelity," Rosalind Brown, 1998.
  - "Dreams and Letting God Be God," Lamin Sanneh, 1989.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Receiving the Christ Child," Walter Brueggemann, "Have You Heard the Good News?" 2010.
  - "God Is With Us," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," 2007.
- 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)
- "The Blind Leap," the Rev. Daniel Matthews, Day 1, 2010.
- Sermons that Work, Advent 4A, the Rev. Anthony F.M. Clavier, ECUSA, 2010.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2010.
- "Believe in the Dreams of the Person You Love," the Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Day 1, 2007.
- "A New World Birth," the Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Day 1, 2004.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- God With Us, Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2010.
- "What's a Gift?", ELCA Faith Lens, 2010.
- "Is God Enough?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
- ECUSA Weekly RCL Bible Study.
- "Doing Good Work," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Caring for Creation," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2013. Focus article, "Doing Good Work," Jeffrey Bilbro. (Psalm 80)
- Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Advent A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
- 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.
Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps (Advent 4A): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Gathering, Advent 4A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Advent 4A, 2010, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- A Life-Giving Christmas, Rev. N. Neelley Hicks, United Methodist Communications: Sermon starters, practical application, individual challenge, outbound challenge, congregational response, social media, multimedia, reflection questions. (.pdf)
- Worship Resources, December, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
- LCA Worship Resources, Advent 4A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Mustard Seeds, "A Life Uncommon / Courage," Advent 4A, 2010, A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, Advent 4, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship Resources, Advent 4A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 4A, 2010. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 4A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2010.
- Liturgy for Advent, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Advent to the Southern Hemisphere.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
Advent Candle Liturgies
Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Advent 4, 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.
- Lector's Notes, Advent 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- Prayers of the People, Year A - Advent 4. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- The Billabong, Advent 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Advent 4A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
- 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.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditations for Home and Church, 2010, Dean McIntyre, UMC GBOD.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Advent 4A, UMC GBOD.
- Offertory Prayers, Advent 4A, UMC GBOD.
- Confession RCL, Advent 4A, 2010, Bill Wessner.
- Call to Worship, December 19, 2010, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- Starters for Sunday, 19 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 4A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Prayers for Advent 4, Isaiah 7, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2010.
- Prayers of the People, Advent 4, 2010, RMC Morley, a garden path, 2010.
- "Joseph's Dream,", Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2010.
- Prayer for the Church Advent 4 Yr A, Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2010.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 80, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2010.
- Sunday Prayer, Advent 4A, Terri, RevGalBlogPals, 2010.
- Prayers for Worship, David von Schlichten, Lectionary Homiletics.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Advent 4a. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Free Public Domain Clipart for Church Bulletins: Mary, Church Bulletin Resources.
- Clip Art, Advent 4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 1:18-24, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Advent 4 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, "A Life Uncommon / Courage," Advent 4A, 2010, A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
- "Is God Enough?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 4, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Bulletin Back Page UCC's SAMUEL, 2010.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - Joseph Heard the Troubling News,? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM 7.6.7.6 D (?Gentle Mary Laid Her Child?), The Presbyterian Outlook magazine.
  - O Jesus, You Were Born to Be,? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: TRURO (8.8.8.8) (?Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates?)
  - I Believe (The Apostles' Creed),? Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: AUSTRIAN HYMN 8.7.8.7 D (?Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken?) This hymn celebrates The Apostles' Creed and includes this verse: "Jesus, by God's Holy Spirit, was so wondrously conceived, Born unto the Virgin Mary, who your promises believed."
  - "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "Can We Pledge Our Lives Today?" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 1:18-25. TUNE: "Canterbury," by Orlando Gibbons (1623). New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  - "Indescribable Gift," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, new hymns set to traditional tunes.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Hear Us Lord," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 set to The Solid Rock (88 88 888).
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 4A, 2010, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Advent 4A, UMC GBOD, 2010.
  - Shepherd Sounds, Advent 4A. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
  - 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.
  - Sing for Joy, Advent 4A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Gathering, Advent 4A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
  - Starters for Sunday, 19 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  - Together to Celebrate, Advent 4A, 2010, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Children, based on the Revised Common Lectionary, by Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Great Hill UMC, Seymour, Connecticut. At Bass Mitchell's homiliesbyemail.com.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles, Advent 4. 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)
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," December 19, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2010. Connections: Isaiah 7:10-16 and Mama, Will It Snow Tonight? by Nancy White Carlstrom, Romans 1:1-7 and I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, Matthew 1:18-25 and Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate.
- Worshiping with Children, Advent 4A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Ordinary 25, Carolyn C. Brown, 2010.
- Living Love, Anna Shirey, Anna's Hosannas, Children's Lesson for Advent 4A, 2010.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Gathering, Advent 4A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- "The Christmas Story," "The Names of Jesus," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
- 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)
A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.