Meditation Twelve Daily Office Readings Morning: Psalms 37:1-18; Isa. 7:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-12. Evening: Psalms 37:19-42; Luke 22:1-13
Advent is a fierce season. While the world around us bakes cookies, shops, and awaits the coming of Santa Claus, we are reading about John the Baptist’s fiery call to repentance, the Day of the Lord, and awaiting God Incarnate. We prepare to remember His birth and to look for His coming again in great glory—to judge the living and the dead. Today’s readings remind us of the fierce urgency of this season, and all point to the question, “Do you stand firm in the faith?” First, Isaiah is called to speak God’s word in the face of enemy invaders and to remind King Ahaz to stand firm in faith. Then, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica about the great rebellion that will precede the Day of the Lord. He tells them that when it does come, only those who have believed the truth will be saved. Finally, the passage from Luke juxtaposes Judas’ betrayal of Jesus with the preparations of the faithful disciples for the Passover meal with their Lord. These readings collectively serve to remind us that there is no comfortable middle ground when it comes to faith. We are either for God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—or we are against Him. We stand firm in the faith or else fall into destruction. There are no other options. So Advent, this season for preparation and reflection, should drive 38