A Call  to Repentance

Collect: Second Sunday in Advent

Merciful God, who sent your messenger the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11 . . . Isaiah announces that God is coming to deliver and comfort—prepare the way!

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 . . . The embrace of reconciliation

2 Peter 3:8-15a . . . The author  tells us to prepare for this coming by living in holiness and devotion.

Mark 1:1-8 . . .  John the baptizer proclaims “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (v. 4).

Sermon: The Rev. Sue Eaves considers the question of whether the American church is actually “in exile.” Sue says no, and tells us why not.