Introit:Ps 81:8, 10, 11, 13 (antiphon: Luke 3:4b)
Gradual: [Zech. 9:9; Ps. 118:26, alt.]
Psalm: Ps 66:1-12 (antiphon: Ps 66:12b)\nOT: Mal 3:1-7b
Epistle:Phil 1:2-11
Proper Verse: Luke 3:4b, 6
Gospel: Luke 3:1-14 (15-20)

The Preaching of Repentance Prepares Us for the Coming of the Lord
The preaching and Baptism "of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 3:3) prepare us for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The historic work of John the Baptist was completed with the first advent of our Lord Jesus in the flesh, but the ministry of the forerunner continues in the preaching of Law and Gospel and in Holy Baptism. Through His messengers, the Lord calls people of all nations to "see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:6). Our haughtiness is removed and our mountains of pride are brought low, but the Lord humbles us in order to exalt us in His mercy. As the Lord has begun this good work of repentance in us, so also does He perfect it by His Word and Holy Spirit, and He "will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6). He purifies us to be His priestly people, precious in His sight and abounding in faith and love, so that we offer our very lives in righteousness to the Lord (Mal. 3:3_4).

Introit:Ps 146:5-8 (antiphon: Phil 4:4)
Gradual: [Zech. 9:9; Ps. 118:26, alt.]
Psalm: Ps 85 (antiphon: Ps 85:2)
OT: Zeph 3:14-20\nEpistle:Phil 4:4-7
Proper Verse: Matt. 11:10
Gospel: Luke 7:18-28 (29-35)

The Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice
The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word Gaudete, meaning "Rejoice!" For as you are called to repentance, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. By His own cross, He has accomplished salvation for you; "He has cleared away your enemies," "taken away the judgments against you" and come to reign in your midst. Indeed, He rejoices over you with gladness and song (Zeph. 3:15_17)! Therefore, even from prison St. Paul encourages us to "rejoice in the Lord always," knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4, 7). We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by the Word of the Gospel that he receives. The same good news is preached to you, by which all things are made new and even "the dead are raised up" (Luke 7:22). Do not be offended by the cross, therefore, but let your life be one of prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 7:23; Phil. 4:6).

Introit:1 Sam 2:1b, 2, 5b, 6, 7 (antiphon: Luke 1:46b-47)\nGradual: [Zech. 9:9; Ps. 118:26, alt.]
Psalm: Ps 80:1-7 (antiphon: Ps 80:7)
OT: Micah 5:2-5a
Epistle:Heb 10:5-10
Proper Verse: Matt. 1:23a\nGospel: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)

The Lord Comes to Visit Us in Peace
The Fourth Sunday in Advent turns our attention toward the Nativity of Our Lord. With Mary, we await the coming of the Christ, her Son, conceived in her womb by the Spirit of God. As the Lord dealt graciously with her and did great things for her (Luke 1:48_49), so also He manifests Himself and His glory to us in mercy and gentleness. He comes to rule His people in peace, to "shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord." He comes forth not from the great capital city of Rome or Jerusalem, but from lowly little Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, 4). He comes to sacrifice Himself, in fulfillment of His Father's will, for the salvation and sanctification of His people (Heb. 10:10). He who once visited Elizabeth while hidden in the womb of Mary (Luke 1:39_45) now comes to visit us today, hidden in the lowliness of simple water, bread and wine.

Introit:Ps 98:1-4 (antiphon: Is 52:10)
Gradual: [Is. 9:6; Ps. 98:1a
Psalm: Ps 111 (antiphon: Ps 111:9a,b)
OT: Ex 13:1-3a, 11-15\nEpistle:Col 3:12-17
Proper Verse: Luke 2:30, 32
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40\n
The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death
When the Lord destroyed the firstborn sons of Egypt, He spared the sons of Israel by providing a lamb in their stead. Hence, all the firstborn sons belong to Him. Every firstborn male animal was sacrificed, and every firstborn son of man was redeemed (Ex. 13:12_13). Therefore, the parents of Jesus "brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for "the redemption of Jerusalem" and "the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people from bondage. His cross has caused many to stumble and fall, but His blood atoned for the sins of the world and delivers us from death. We now depart in the peace of Christ because we are also raised with Him. As we receive His body and blood, we join Simeon and Anna in "giving thanks to God the Father through him," "singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," including the Nunc Dimittis, with thankfulness in our hearts (Luke 2:28_32, 38; Col. 3:15_17).