1st Sunday of Advent

14“Behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah.

15“In those days and at that time,

I will cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to David.

He will execute justice and righteousness in the land.

16In those days Judah will be saved,

and Jerusalem will dwell safely.

This is the name by which she will be called:

The LORD our righteousness.”

4Show me your ways, LORD.

Teach me your paths.

5Guide me in your truth, and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation.

I wait for you all day long.

…

8Good and upright is the LORD,

therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

9He will guide the humble in justice.

He will teach the humble his way.

10All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth

to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

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14The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him.

He will show them his covenant.

3:12May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

4:1Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. 2For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

25“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; 26men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.”

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34“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. 35For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. 36Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”