Advent B2
December 7, 2008

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Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources  

Isaiah 40:1-11
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 85:9-14

2 Peter 3:8-15a
Roman Catholic reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14

Mark 1:1-8

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated (NRSV) readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • 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.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year B.
  • 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 - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Baptism of Jesus
    • John the Baptist
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Baptism
    • John the Baptist
    • Repentance
    • Wilderness
• Special Day Resources: World AIDS Day
• 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), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 2B, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2008. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Samuel Giere, L. Ann Jervis, Paul S. Berge, Rolf Jacobson.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 2, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 2B, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Ayudas Sermonarias para el 7 de diciembre de 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 2, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Jesus Now, Advent 2B, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Peace," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • "We Started Without You," Advent 2B, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • "Messengers of Hope," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org, 2008.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 2B, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 2B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Text Studies, Advent 2, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Preaching Helps, First Sunday of Advent through Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year B, Robert H. Smith, John Rollefson, Richard Rollefson, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2002.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Lectionary Study, December 7, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Advent 2B, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for December 7, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • "Life with a Vision," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Starters for Sunday, 7 December, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lists of recommended articles available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Isaiah 40:1-11
  • Psalm 85
  • 2 Peter 3:8-15
  • Mark 1:1-8
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Hearing Voices," Blogging toward Sunday, Christian Coon, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Rolf Jacobson, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Justice through Compassion edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Will the Christian Church Keep Its Promise? World AIDS Day," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • "Escape from Babylon," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "A Way in the Wilderness," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • "A Future Filled with Promise," Marti Steussy, Holly Hearon, Helene Tallon Russell, Charles W. Allen, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Disclosing New Worlds, Advent 2B, Lawrence Moore, 2008.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 2B, 2005. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "Into the Wild," Michaela Bruzzese, "Christmas Presence," 2008.
    • "Building the Highway," Robert Roth, "The Beauty of Justice," 2005.
    • "Radical Receiving," by Kari Jo Verhulst, 2002.
    • "Signs of Belonging," Peter B. Price, "Reorder the Household," 1996.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2008.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 2, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • "Prophets: They Can't Be Silenced," Lee Alison Crawford, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Mercy, Me," Kathleen Norris, 2005.
    • "On Your Mark," John Stendahl, 2002.
    • "The 'Sense' of Advent," Delores S. Williams, 1990.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. 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):
  • "Our Patience, God's Peace," the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Carter, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 2B (RCL), the Rev. Frank S. Logue, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "Do You Hear Voices?" Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 2B, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Eating Well," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Health," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007. (Mark 1)
  • "Restorative Justice," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Peace and War," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004. (Psalm 85)
  • "Shoppers and retailers getting reading for the Christmas season," Faith Lens, ELCA, 2008. Connects weekly headlines with lectionary texts.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • "An Attitude of Discipleship: Prepared," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Bible Study - Advent 2B - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 2, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • 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.
• A wonderful, comprehensive list of links & resources for Advent and Christmas at Richard and Charlene Fairchild's award-winning A Holy Christmas.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 2B, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "A Liturgy of Light: A Candle Lighting Service for Year B," UCC Worship Ways, 2008.
  • Gathering, Advent 2, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 2B, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Preparing a Road in the Wilderness," Advent 2, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Advent Wreath Meditations, 2008, Dean B. McIntyre, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Advent Liturgy / Advent in the Southern Hemisphere, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 2, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • "Peace," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 2B, 2008. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • "Be Prepared for the Lord's Coming," Advent 2. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 2, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Life with a Vision," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Ideas for Sundays in Advent, The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, ELCA.
  • Advent and Christmas Resources, Katherine Hawker, Outside the Box.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 2 by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, 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.
  • Prayers of the People, B - Advent 2, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 2, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • "A Voice Cries Out...: Creative Approaches to Selected Scripture Readings for Advent," Douglas Macomber, Reformed Worship.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 2, 2008, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship:
    • Litany: Going to Lay Down My Burden, Gloria H. Reese
    • A Prayer of Repentance, the Rev. Ruth Williams
    • Litany: The Second Coming of Christ, Beverly Douglas
    • Do Not Be Afraid (Processional Litany), Amelia Tucker-Shaw
  • A Prayer for Second Advent (Isaiah 40), A Prayer for Second Advent (Mark 1), Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 2B, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 7 December, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 2B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "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.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art Images: Mark 1:1-8, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Advent 2B 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.
  • Clip Art, Advent B2, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
  • "Be Prepared for the Lord's Coming," Advent 2. Flash presentation of this week's scripture texts.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Advent 2B, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Preparing a Road in the Wilderness," Advent 2, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "A Way in the Wilderness," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • Commercial Site: "Don't Be Afraid," video for Advent 2B based on Mark 1 and Isaiah 40, The Work of the People.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Advent 2B / Isaiah 40:1-11, Will Humes, Word & Table.
  • Bulletin Cover, Mark 1:2-4, Will Humes, Word & Table.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 2B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • "How Shall We Prepare?" reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Four New Advent Hymns for Lectionary B Set to Familiar Tunes, F. Richard Garland, 2008. United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn for Advent 2B, Alan Hinton, possible tune, Bunessan, Disclosing New Worlds, Lawrence Moore.
    • "Down by the Jordan," a new hymn for Advent by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Hymn for Advent 2B to the tune "Rhosymedre", Paul Janssen, Pascack Reformed Church, Park Ridge, NJ.
    • "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Clear the Path," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn,.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 2B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 2B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Advent 2B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • 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.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 2B, 2008, Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 2B, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • A Little Song of St. Nicholas, good with Children's Sermons near Dec. 6), The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, ELCA.
  • "The King Is Coming," 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.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Advent, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 2, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Gathering, Advent 2, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
• 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.