Please see Using Lection Connection
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)
The Lord has Isaiah comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call for preparation. Unlike humans, both the Lord and his word are utterly dependable.
Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)
Based on the Lord’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation, with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.
Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)
Peter asserts that God is not bound by our concept of time. The Day of the Lord will surely come, dramatically and without warning, and usher in a whole new cosmos. Delay allows time for repentance and opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.
Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of the Lord. John preaches a baptism of repentance, announcing the coming of one greater than him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
• Preparing the way of the Lord
• The coming of the Lord
• God and time
• The purpose of God’s delay
• Voices in the wilderness
• Good News and Bad News