Advent 4B
December 21, 2008

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Preaching Peace
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Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Roman Catholic reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14a, 16

Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 89:2-29 
Episcopal reading (RCL): Canticle 3 or Canticle 15 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
United Methodist reading: Luke 1:47-55

Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated (NRSV) Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • 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.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year B.
  • 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 - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Annunciation
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Call
    • Mary, Mother of Jesus
• 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), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 4B, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2008. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Samuel Giere, L. Ann Jervis, Paul S. Berge, Rolf Jacobson.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • "Birthing a Promise," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org, 2008.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 4, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Jesus Now, Advent 4B, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 4B, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Ayudas Sermonarias para el 21 de diciembre de 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 4B, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • "Fulfillment," Advent 4B, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 4B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Text Studies, Advent 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Lectionary Study, December 21, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Rumors, for December 21, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Sermon Nuggets, Advent 4B, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Preaching Helps, First Sunday of Advent through Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year B, Robert H. Smith, John Rollefson, Richard Rollefson, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2002.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Starters for Sunday, 21 December, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lists of recommended articles available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • 2 Samuel 7:1-16
  • Luke 1:47-55 / Psalm 89
  • Romans 16:25-27
  • Luke 1:26-38
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Who Wants to Be Mary?" Blogging toward Sunday, Christian Coon, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Rolf Jacobson, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Mary and Jesus Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Home for the Holidays," "Getting the Message," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • "A Startling Announcement to a Girl from Nazareth," guest essay by novelist Ron Hansen, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • Disclosing New Worlds, Advent 4B, Lawrence Moore, 2008.
  • "Door 11: In Which We Get to Sing," (Luke 1:47-55); "Door 20: Getting the Message," (Luke 1:26-38); Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • "According to God's Promise," Helene Tallon Russell, Holly Hearon, Marti Steussy, Charles W. Allen, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Advent 4B. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • "Listen," Lane Denson III, Out of Nowhere, 2008.
  • Digital Orthodoxy, lectionary reflections blog, Darren Wright, 2008.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "A Summons and Sending," Michaela Bruzzese, "Christmas Presence," 2008.
    • "Lifting the Lowly," Robert Roth, "The Beauty of Justice," 2005.
    • "Risking Shame," Kari Jo Verhulst, 2002.
    • "Signs of a Savior," Peter B. Price, "Reorder the Household," 1996.
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 4th Sunday of Advent, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2008.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Open Paths," Kathleen Norris, 2005.
    • "Mary Says Yes," John Stendahl, 2002.
    • "God's Entrance," Fleming Rutledge, 1999.
    • "Representatives and Partners," Delores S. Williams, 1990.
  • "Birthing Peace in a World of Violence," Liz Zivanov, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • "Garrison Keillor and the Second Coming," Craig A. Satterlee, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2005.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. 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):
  • "Tell Out My Soul," Advent 4B, 2008, Revd Roberta Rominger, disclosing new worlds.
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 4B (RCL), the Rev. Amy E. Richter, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "It's Not about Mary," the Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, Day 1, 2008.
  • "People of the Promise," Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2005.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 4B, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "What Should We Say about Mary?" study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Women and the Church," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus article: "What Should We Say about Mary?" Carole L. Baker. (Luke 1:26-45)
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 4, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Bible Study - Advent 4B - 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.
• A wonderful, comprehensive list of links & resources for Advent and Christmas at Richard and Charlene Fairchild's award-winning A Holy Christmas.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 4B, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "A Liturgy of Light: A Candle Lighting Service for Year B," UCC Worship Ways, 2008.
  • Gathering, Advent 4, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Love/Saying Yes to God," Advent 4, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 4B, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Advent Wreath Meditations, 2008, Dean B. McIntyre, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 4, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 4B, 2008. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • "An Attitude of Discipleship: Trusting," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Advent Liturgy / Advent in the Southern Hemisphere, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Ideas for Sundays in Advent, The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, ELCA.
  • Advent and Christmas Resources, Katherine Hawker, Outside the Box.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 4, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 4 by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
• 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, B - Advent 4, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • "Surprising God," "El Dios Sorprendente," prayer based on Luke 1:26-38, 46-56, UCC Worship Ways, 2008.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 4, 2008, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship:
    • Mary the Favored One (Choral Reading), the Rev. Ruth Williams
    • Here I Am (Interpretation of Luke 1:26-38 for 2 readers), Carlene Lenore
    • Faith to Say Yes! (drama for the fourth Sunday of Advent), Amelia Tucker-Shaw
  • Offertory Prayers for December, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 21 December, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • A Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Worship Resources, Advent 4B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 4B, 2008. 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.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 1:26-38, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Advent 4B 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.
  • Clip Art, Advent B4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Advent 4B, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Love/Saying Yes to God," Advent 4, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Door 11: In Which We Get to Sing," (Luke 1:47-55); "Door 20: Getting the Message," (Luke 1:26-38); Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • Commercial Site: "Nothing Is Impossible," video for Advent 4B, The Work of the People.
  • "Home for the Holidays," "Getting the Message," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas, 2008.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Advent 4B - Mary, the Annunciation, Luke 1:26-38, Bulletin Cover Art for Advent 4B - The Annunciation From Will Humes, Word & Table.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Advent 4B, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 4B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "The Lord Has Greatly Blessed You," reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Hymn for Advent 4B, Alan Hinton, Disclosing New Worlds, Lawrence Moore, 2008.
    • Four New Advent Hymns for Lectionary B Set to Familiar Tunes, F. Richard Garland, 2008. United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "Indescribable Gift," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • "Mary Heard the Angel's Message," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, to BEECHER 8.7.8.7D.
    • "The Lord's Messiah Comes,", a hymn for Advent by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 4B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Advent 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • 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.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 4B, 2008, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 4B, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "God's Visit," 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.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Advent, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Advent 4, 2008, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship:
    • Here I Am (Interpretation of Luke 1:26-38 for 2 readers), Carlene Lenore
    • Faith to Say Yes! (drama for the fourth Sunday of Advent), Amelia Tucker-Shaw
  • "Stirrings," based on Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Jim Hatherly.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.