Advent A2
December 9, 2007

With thanks to page sponsor:
journeywithjesus.net
Daniel B. Clendenin, PhD
A weekly webzine for the global church - lectionary essays, books, film, and poetry.
(Sept 07-08)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 72:1-17

Romans 15:4-13
Roman Catholic reading: Romans 15:4-9

Matthew 3:1-12

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
  • 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.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
  • 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, 2007.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • John the Baptist
    • Tree of Jesse
    • 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
    • Hope
    • Justice/Injustice
    • Repentance
    • Righteousness
• 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), Advent 2A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 2A, 2007. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 2, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Advent 2, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Advent Commentaries, Second Sunday in Advent, Mary H. Schertz, Jacob W. Elias, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 2A, 2007). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Jesus Now, Advent 2A. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Advent 2A, 2007, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Stories & Anecdotes, Advent 2, collected by Jack Lohr, Presbyterian Church at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 2, 2007, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 2A, 2007, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Exegesis, Advent 2, 2007, Betty Jane Lillie, S.C., The Pastoral Preaching Web Site. Sponsored by the Athenaeum, Mount St. Mary's Seminary.
  • Second Sunday in Advent, December 9, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
  • Text Studies, Advent 2A, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 2A, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Bear Fruit! - Or Else!!" Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
  • "You Have a Chance," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Starters for Sunday, 9 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Estudio Exegético-Homilético, Diciembre de 2007, Instituto Universitario Isedet.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Isaiah 11:1-10
  • Psalm 72
  • Romans 15:4-13
  • Matthew 3:1-12
• Lectionary Weblogs, Discussions & Reflections:
  • "Mature Christians," Blogging Toward Sunday, Michael Pasquarello III, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2007.
  • The Good Word, Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2007.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, "I Heart John the Baptist," RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2007.
  • Progressive Bible Study: Isaiah11:1-10, Pastor Dan, Street Prophets.
  • "To Live in Longing," guest essay by Nora Gallagher, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2007.
  • "Call of the Prophets," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2007.
  • "What Can We Expect?" Keith A. Russell, Reflections on the Lectionary for December, 2007, The Living Pulpit.
  • "The Peaceable Realm - God's Advent Challenge," Marvin M. Ellison, Christine Smith, Randall C. Bailey, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 2A, 2004. (Episcopal Lectionary) Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 2, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2007.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Second Sunday of Advent, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2007.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Advent 2A, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
  • "I Pledge Allegiance," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2004.
  • "Repentance," Leon Spencer, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
  • "Voices in the Wilderness," Susan Russell, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
  • "God of Fire," Michaela Bruzzese, "Digging for Treasure," Sojourners, 2004.
  • "Holy Fishes," Frederick Niedner, The Christian Century, 2004.
  • "Jesus and the Peaceable Kingdom," Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
  • "Wheat and Chaff," Ruth A. Meyers, The Christian Century, 2001. Religion Online.
  • "Gate-Crashing God," Rosalind Brown. Commentary from The Christian Century, November, 1998. At Religion Online.
  • "Wake Up!" by Michaela Bruzzese. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2001.
  • Living the Word, by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary-based scripture commentary at Sojourner's Online, 1995.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. 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)
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 2A (RCL), by the Rev. Cole Gruberth, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
  • Advent 2A, Rev. Jeffrey M. Kemper, Sponsored by the Athenaeum, Mount St. Mary's Seminary, 2007.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2007.
  • "The Peaceable Kingdom," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2004.
  • "It's Time to Clean House," by the Very Rev. Charles Hoffacker in Sermons that Work, ECUSA, 2004.
  • "Dining with Wolf and Lamb," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2001.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 2, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Unquenchable Fire," Matthew 3:1-12, study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Heaven and Hell," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2002.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 2A - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Following the Lord," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2007.
  • Bible Study - Advent 2 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • 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.
• Richard and Charlene Fairchild's comprehensive "A Holy Christmas".
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 2, 2007): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Advent 2, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • "Let the Earth Rejoice," Second Sunday of Advent, Worship Ways, United Church of Christ, 2007.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Advent 2A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God's Big Picture," Advent 2A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 2, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 2, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 2, (includes litanies, "artistic elements," etc), Rev. Nancy Townley, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 2A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • Liturgy Alive, Advent 2, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 2A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • "The Baptist in the Desert," Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand.
  • Liturgy for Advent, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Advent to the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
    • "Being Prepared: Keeping the Vision Alive"
    • "Preparing the Way - Making the Path Straight"
    • "Preparing for and Receiving Peace"
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• Advent Candle Liturgies
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Advent 2, 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.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 2, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Prayers of the People, Year A - Advent 2. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • The Billabong, Advent 2, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Advent 2A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker. Other Advent Resources.
  • Prayer for the Second Sunday of Advent, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 2A, 2007, Ciona D. Rouse, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2007, Herb Mather, Director of the Center for Christian Stewardship, the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
  • Starters for Sunday, 9 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 2A. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Lighting of Advent Wreath Litanies for Year A, The Rev. Sheila N. McJilton, St Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, MD. Free use, please attribute to author.
  • Prayers of the People, Advent 2A, 2007, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics and Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art, Advent 2, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 3:1-12, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Advent 2 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God's Big Picture," Advent 2A, 2007. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Jacob's Well Advent Films and mp3 sermons.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 2, 2007, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 2A, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
• Hymns and Music:

  Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs: "A Child Will Lead the Dawn of Grace," F. Richard Garland, Advent Hymns with Lectionary Texts, Year A. United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia. Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 2A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church. "All People," and "Clear the Path," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn, a worship resource offering preachers, worship leaders, and choirs a weekly new, relevant hymn based on the Revised Common Lectionary, set to traditional tunes.

  Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists: Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.") Gathering, Advent 2, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, keyboard, instrumental, choral suggestions etc. 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. Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications. Together to Celebrate, December 9, 2007, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources. Starters for Sunday, 9 December 2007. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland. Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 2A. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Sing for Joy, Advent 2A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.

• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Advent 2. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Gathering, Advent 2, 2007, from the United Church of Canada. Includes homiletical suggestions, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, etc.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Advent, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2007.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 2A - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Preparing for the Peace of Christ," "Star Light, Star Bright," 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.
• 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.