Advent B3
December 14, 2008

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Daniel B. Clendenin, PhD
A weekly webzine for the global church - lectionary essays, books, film, and poetry.
(Jul0809)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11

Psalm 126 or Luke 1:47-55
Roman Catholic reading: Luke 1:46-54
Episcopal reading (RCL): Psalm 126  or Canticle 3 or 15
United Methodist reading: Psalm 126

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated (NRSV) Lectionary 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
    • Visitation
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Incarnation
    • Baptism
    • John the Baptist
    • Prayer
• 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 3B, 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 3, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 3B, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "Shouts of Joy," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org, 2008.
  • Jesus Now, Advent 3B, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 3, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • "Criminal Justice," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • Ayudas Sermonarias para el 14 de diciembre de 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Free Samples of exegetical material for all lectionary texts for Advent 3B at Lectionary Homiletics.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 3B, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Text Studies, Advent 3, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • "Magnificat," Advent 3B, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 3B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Rumors, for December 14, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Lectionary Study, December 14, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • 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.)
  • Starters for Sunday, 14 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 61:1-11
  • Psalm 126 / Luke 1:47-55
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
  • John 1:6-28
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Who Do You Think You Are?" 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, Abundant Options Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • Disclosing New Worlds, Advent 3B, Lawrence Moore, 2008.
  • "Where I'm From," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • "The Subversive Song of the Mother of God: Mary's Magnificat," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • Sermon Notes: Advent III, Ann Fontaine, What the Tide Brings In, 2008.
  • "Potato Stamp Epiphany," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "Releasing the Spirit," Charles W. Allen, Marti Steussy, Holly Hearon, Helene Tallon Russell, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 3B. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • "Hope as Radical Protest," Richard Bower, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "The Gift of Grace," Michaela Bruzzese, "Christmas Presence," 2008.
    • "Proclaiming 'the Year,'" Robert Roth, "The Beauty of Justice," 2005.
    • "Look Again: It's God," Kari Jo Verhulst, 2002.
    • "Hopeful Signs," Peter B. Price, "Reorder the Household," 1996.
  • "Are We There Yet?" Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, ELCA, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 3rd Sunday of Advent, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2008.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 3, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • "The Third Sunday of Advent," Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Standing on Promises," Kathleen Norris, 2005.
    • "Messianic Complex," John Stendahl, 2002.
    • "The Two Faces of Advent," Fleming Rutledge, 1999.
    • "Good News," Gretchen Wolff Pritchard, 1993.
    • "The Sent and the Sender," 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):
  • "Would-be John the Baptists," Advent 3B, Lawrence Moore, Disclosing New Worlds, 2008.
  • "God's Will for You," the Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 3B (RCL), the Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "Joyful Witnesses," Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2005.
  • "The People Who Walk Upside Down," Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 3B, 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)
  • "Pray without Ceasing," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prayer," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus articles: "Pray without Ceasing," "Prayerful Intimacy." (1 Thessalonians 5)
  • "Improving Our Seeing and Listening," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Mysticism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005. (1 Thessalonians 5)
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 3, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "An Attitude of Discipleship: Expectant," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Bible Study - Advent 3B - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • 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 3B, 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 3, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Joy," Advent 3, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 3B, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Advent Wreath Meditations, 2008, Dean B. McIntyre, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 3B, 2008. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 3, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Advent Liturgy / Advent in the Southern Hemisphere, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • "Criminal Justice," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 3, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • 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 3 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 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.
  • "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 3, 2008, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship:
    • "Jesus Is Coming; Things are Going to Be Different," reading, Cynthia A. Bond Hopson
    • "Day of Jubilee" reading, Beverly Douglas
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 14 December, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3B, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • A Prayer for Third Advent (Isaiah 61), A Prayer for Third Advent (Luke 1), Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 3B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (BCP - TEC/USA)
  • 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: John 1:6-28, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Advent 3B 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 B3, 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.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Advent 3B, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Advent 3B - Luke 1:46-55, PowerPoint Slides for Advent 3B - John 1:23-27, Will Humes, Word & Table.
  • Bulletin Cover Art for Advent 3B - Isaiah 61:11, Bulletin Cover Art for Advent 3B - John 1:23-27, Bulletin Cover Art for Advent 3B - Luke 1:46-55, Will Humes, Word & Table.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Joy," Advent 3, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Commercial Site: "Mary's Song," video for Advent 3B based on Isaiah 7, Psalm 34, Psalm 138, Luke 1, Luke 2, and 1 Timothy 1, The Work of the People.
  • "Where I'm From," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Advent 3B, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 3B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
• 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.
    • "Down by the Jordan," a new hymn for Advent by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Hymn for Advent 3B, Alan Hinton, Disclosing New Worlds, Lawrence Moore, 2008.
    • "Stand Firm," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Mary Heard the Angel's Message," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, to BEECHER 8.7.8.7D.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 3B, 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 3B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Advent 3B, 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 3B, 2008, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 3B, 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):
  • "Who Is the Greatest?" 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 3, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Gathering, Advent 3, 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.