Scriptures for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A

Isaiah 2:1-5  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%202%3A1-5&version=NRSVUE

Psalm 122  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20122&version=NRSVUE

Romans 13:11-14  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2013%3A11-14&version=NRSVUE

Matthew 24:36-44  www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024%3A36-44&version=NRSVUE

When I started A Place of Grace in 2016, we were headed into the new lectionary cycle (RCL). I made a commitment to -- as much as possible -- follow the Old Testament readings through the cycle. The next cycle, I followed the gospels. This past cycle has been focused on the Psalms. And now we enter the fourth cycle, where I will focus on the epistles. There will be occasional variations on the norm, but the bulk of the liturgy -- and my preaching -- will be on the epistles for the next three years. I am excited about this new challenge as I have learned much from each cycle thus far. I welcome your thoughts on the focus passages each week, and look forward to ongoing conversation around the scriptures!

The focus passage for A Place of Grace this week is Romans 13:11-14. All liturgy will be based on this passage. What in Romans 13:11-14 inspires or encourages you? Share your thoughts here:  www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1275002744668976&set=a.549399683895956 .