This is part of the worship series,
"Six Biblical Characters, Six Traditions of Faith”
Series Introduction
Advent 1 | Advent 2 | Advent 3 | Advent 4
Christmas Eve/Day | Christmas 1
Second Sunday of advent
The Holiness Stream: Joseph
Reading for the Lighting of the Advent Candle
The Advent wreath is a circle with no beginning and no end. It is a symbol of God’s unending love and faithfulness.
Its light reminds us of Jesus, the Light of the world. “In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4, 5)
“Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
“If we walk in the light, as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“For you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
Jesus said, “Everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46)
All sing: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (st. 4) Brooks
Scripture
Isaiah 40:1–11
Responsorial setting of Psalm 85 Black
2 Peter 3:8–15a
Sermon Text: Matthew 1:18–25
Sermon-Building Ideas
The world does not place a great deal of emphasis on holiness. It cramps our style. It restricts our freedom. Contemporary voices frequently emphasize the importance of keeping one’s religious devotion a private matter, severed from public morality. Add to this the fact that our world often equates holiness with being “holier-than-thou,” and the challenge of affirming the contributions of the holiness tradition to Christian faith and life is all the greater. Yet Christians are called to the pursuit of holiness. Both the Old and New Testaments affirm that we are to be holy because God is holy. The closer we get to God, the more like God we become. Richard Foster puts it this way: “Holiness is progress in purity and sanctity. We are set apart for divine purposes” (Streams, p. 84).
No wonder Joseph—a righteous man who earnestly seeks to do God’s will, no matter the cost—is such a good representative of this tradition. Joseph models holiness, what Foster calls the ability to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Have you ever noticed that Joseph does not speak a single word in the gospels? His actions matter more. And among his actions, his decision to reevaluate his concept of righteousness stands tall. Joseph had every right to divorce Mary. The law was on his side. But God’s message to Joseph made it clear that the baby Mary was carrying redefines righteousness.
As Frederick Dale Bruner puts it, “from the instant that Jesus appeared on the world scene, even at his conception, he caused righteous people to rethink what was righteous.” This transformation is
precisely what every believer experiences. Jesus redefines righteousness because he is himself the righteousness of God, who reveals God’s holiness, models it perfectly, and invites us to participate in it.
Prayer
Let your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in your image, conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate your majesty, power and wonder; nor is it fitting for us to try. But your mercy reaches from the heavens, through the clouds, to the earth below. You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with your tiny hands, embrace us with your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with your soft, sweet cries. Amen.
—Bernard of Clairvaux from The Complete Book of Christian Prayer, p. 376.
This prayer was written by Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153). Born in France, Bernard was a key figure in the Cistercian movement, which sought to bring reform to the monastic system. His outstanding life, hymns, and practical piety have continued to influence Christian worship practices worldwide.
Song Suggestions
“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” Afro-American spiritual
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Wesley
“Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” Wesley and Gounod
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Wesley and Prichard
“Shine, Jesus Shine” Kendrick
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Advent—Fourth Sunday of Advent
Year B: Advent—Second Sunday of Advent
