Advent 3C
December 13, 2009

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Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Roman Catholic reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

Isaiah 12:2-6
Episcopal reading (RCL): Canticle 9

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18
Roman Catholic reading: Luke 3:10-18

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings..
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year C.
  • 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, 2006.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • John the Baptist
    • Links to general Advent images:
      • visitation
      • Mystical/Liturgical/Enthroned Madonna
      • last judgment
      • annunciation
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • John the Baptist Types
    • Prophecy
    • Judgment
    • Justice/Injustice
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Kathryn Schifferdecker, Audrey West, Michael Joseph Brown, and David Lose.
  • "Look Forward," Sermon Seeds by Kate Huey, Advent 3C, 2009, at SAMUEL (UCC): lectionary citations, sermon seeds weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 3C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 3, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 3C, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Lectionary Commentary (not RCL texts), Music & Worship Resources, Cultural Resources, Advent 3, The African American Lectionary Commentary, 2009.
  • Jesus Now, Advent 3C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 3C, 2009, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith." 2006 Commentary, Russell Pregeant,
  • Sermon Nuggets, Advent 3C, 2009, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for December 13, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor." (Alternate lectionary texts.)
  • "A Great Word," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Advent 3C, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 3C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Third Sunday in Advent, December 14, 2003. Preaching Helps by Glen Monson, Currents in Theology and Mission.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Lectionary Study, Advent 3C, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2009.
  • Text Studies, Advent 3C, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • "Be Joyful & Act Fairly!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • "The Third Sunday of Advent," Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Zephaniah 3:14-20
  • Isaiah 12:2-6
  • Philippians 4:4-7
  • Luke 3:7-18
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • "Don't Worry, Rejoice," G. Kevin Baker, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2009.
  • Sermon Brainwave, December 13, 2009. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Rejoice in the Lord Always Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • "Advent 3: Terrors and Wonders," "Advent 3: As on a Day of Festival," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2009. (Use of images.) "Contemplating Christmas: Finding Quiet in a Season of Mystery and Hope," video by Jan Richardson, 2009.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2009.
  • "The (Advent) Road," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections: Thoughts on Religion, Culture, and Politics, 2009.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
  • "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy," Jenny Williams, The Ekklesia Project, 2009.
  • "From Political Analysis to Moral Accountability: Ancient Poetry and Modern 'Eliminationism,'" Advent 3C, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009. 2006 reflection.
  • Advent 3C, Matt & Laura Norvell, Grounded and Rooted in Love, 2009.
  • "Could We Turn This Around?" Peter Woods, I am listening..., 2009.
  • Advent Reflections, Rev. Kirsten Klepfer, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, 2009.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Advent 3, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2009.
  • Stewards of the Good News and Great Joy! Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2009.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 3C, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • A list of Daily Lectionary Resources.
  • Articles at The Christian Century:
    • "Toward Home," Joanna M. Adams, 2006.
    • "Night Music," Herbert O'Driscoll, 2003.
    • "Refiner's Fire," John C. Morris, 2000.
    • "Unquenchable Fire," James F. Kay, 1997.
    • "Rejoice Anyway," William Dyrness, 1994.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "Refusing Violent Greed," Walter Brueggemann, "Getting Ready for the Unexpected," 2009.
    • "Living Abundantly," Malinda Elizabeth Berry, "High-Calorie Spirituality," 2006.
    • "Rejoice!" Michaela Bruzzese, "If Not Now, When?" 2003.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year C. 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):
  • "Repent, Ye Saints," the Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, Day 1, 2009.
  • "'Keep Pointing to the Lord' (Luke 3:7-18), a Sermon through Poetry by John Thornburg, UMC GBOD, 2009.
  • Sermons that Work, Advent 3C, the Rev. Danáe Ashley, ECUSA, 2009.
  • "Joy in All Things," Bruce G. Epperly, Process & Faith Resources.
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 3C (RCL), by the Rev. Debbie Royals, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2006.
  • Selected sermon, Advent 3C, by the Rev. James Liggett, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2003.
  • "God Is in Our Midst," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "Waiting for the Good News," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Look Forward," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2009.
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 3C, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent 1-4, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 3, 2009 - 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 includes links to images illustrating Advent and Christmas themes.
• Advent Candle Liturgies
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 3C, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. Advent Planning Helps and Resources.
  • Gathering, Advent 3C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Worship Resources, Advent C, 2009, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God's Messengers," Advent 3C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Music & Worship Resources, Cultural Resources, Advent 3, The African American Lectionary Commentary, 2009. (Not RCL texts)
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 3C, 2009, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 3C, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Advent Wreath Meditations, Advent 3, 2009, F. Richard Garland, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 3C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Advent Wreath Liturgies, Year C, the Rev. Sheila N. McJilton, St David's Episcopal Church, Wilmington, DE. Written for family participation in worship service with a part for younger children. Free use. Please acknowledge writer.
  • Advent in the Southern Hemisphere, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy, 2009.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 3, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "The Holy One Is Near - Rejoice & Act Fairly!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 3, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year C, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• 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, C - Advent 3, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 3C, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection" Advent 3, reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. "The Great O Antiphons."
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources, Advent 3C, the Rev. Dr. Kwasi I. Kena, UMC GBOD, 2009.
  • "Finding Joy in Unexpected Places," Safiyah Fosua, UMC GBOD, 2009.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Advent collects, Southern Hemisphere, Advent Penitence, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • A Prayer for Advent 3 (Luke), A Prayer for Advent 3 (Zephaniah), Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2009.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, NZPB, BCP TEC and others (CofE).  Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, "What Must I Do?" Advent 3C, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure.
  • Sunday Prayer, Advent 4C, Mompriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Advent 3C. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Advent 3C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 3:7-18, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God's Messengers," Advent 3C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year C index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Advent 3, 2009. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • "Advent 3: Terrors and Wonders," "Advent 3: As on a Day of Festival," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2009. (Use of images.) "Contemplating Christmas: Finding Quiet in a Season of Mystery and Hope," video by Jan Richardson, 2009.
  • Commercial Site: "Restored Fortune," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Advent 3C, 2009, at i.ucc.org: lectionary citations, sermon seeds weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Bulletin Backs with Stewardship Messages, December 2009 - February 2010, Worship Ways, UCC.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 3C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Sing for Joy!" reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "John Went Out to Preach God’s Word," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, MENDELSSOHN 7.7.7.7 D with refrain (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”), Christmas tunes with Advent themes, Presbyterian Outlook, 2009.
    • "Four Hymns for Advent, Year C," F. Richard Garland, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2009.
    • "Sing, God's Folk," hymn by Paul Janssen. Tune: WACHET AUF. .pdf file of words & music. Please contact the author for permission for use through the church website: Pascack Reformed Church, Park Ridge, New Jersey.
    • "Sing, Zion's Daughter," hymn based on Zephaniah 3:14-20, Taylor Burton-Edwards, tune: MORNING SONG. United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • "Down by the Jordan," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, LOBE DEN HERREN 14 14.478.
    • A Hymn for Advent by Rev. David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 3C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 3C, 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • 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.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Advent 3C.
    • Gathering, Advent 3C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Advent 3C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 3C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Starters for Sunday, 13 December, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, Advent 3C, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 3C, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College. 2006.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • The Children's Sermon, follows RCL, Bob Wouri, 2009.
  • Gathering, Advent 3C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children / Older Children, Advent 1-4, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Ideas and Talks for Advent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 3, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
• 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.
  • Look Forward! Fun for All Creatures Great and Small, Advent 3, 2009, UCC.
• 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.