Introduction: For hundreds of years many Christian traditions have read passages of scripture using a tool called a lectionary. This Advent season our devotional team decided to resource you with selections from the Revised Common Lectionary. You will encounter texts from the Psalms, the Prophets, and the New Testament as well as formal prayers. Each text has been selected to build anticipation for the commmmmmmmmmLight of the World – amid the dark, cold days of winter. Reflect on the first coming of Christ while yearning for his second coming.
Note. If you desire to read these passages in a different version of the Bible, this link will provide all the readings for week 4 in Bible Gateway where you may also choose other versions of these passages.)
Romans 16:25-27
“Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith — to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”
Source: Year B – Advent : Revised Common Lectionary
There are those words and actions that come at the end of things. I went to a high school basketball game tonight, and at the end of the fourth quarter, the horn sounded and the game was over. We won!! Hallelujah!! But if we are not careful, that word “Amen” can be just like the horn. At dinner, the Amen at the end of the prayer signals it is time to eat. At church, the Amen of the benediction can often be followed by families rushing to beat each other to a favorite restaurant for Sunday dinner. Too easily, the significance of the word Amen can be lost in the rush. Outside of the gospels themselves, I am not sure there is a more impactful book in the Bible than the Book of Romans. And how does it end? “Amen”. Which means “SO BE IT”!! As we move into a new calendar year, I will seek to make those wonderful truths of Romans evident in my life. How about you?
“So Be It“ (-B
