1. —Advent 3
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
Is. 40:1-8 (9-11); 1 Cor. 4:1-5; Matt. 11:2-10 (11) ; Psalm 85
Memorization Verses:
Is. 40:3 A voice cries:[b] faithful.
―In the wilderness prepare the way of Matt. 11:2-10 (11) ―‗Behold, I send my
the LORD; messenger before your face,
make straight in the desert a highway for who will prepare your way before you.‘
our God. Psalm 85 Righteousness will go before him
1 Cor. 4:1-2 as servants of Christ and make his footsteps a way.
and stewards of the mysteries of God…it is

2. •How did God use His people to
prepare the way for the Messiah?
•How did God use people in the
Christmas story to welcome Jesus?
•How has He used people in your
life to prepare your heart for the
Spirit?

3. …Lord in Your Mercy. heals the sick, raises the dead and
…Hear our Prayer. proclaims good news to the poor.
1 Let us come before the throne 4 Ruler of heaven and earth, the
of God‘s grace and present our sea, and all that fills
petitions with confidence in the them, remember in kindness all
 Use your prayer notes.
Spirit through our Lord Jesus to those called to public service in
 Use a verse from the His heavenly Father, for He is our nation and in our
bible to reflect on. kind and full of compassion. communities, especially all who
 Pray about God‘s 2 King of Israel, You call us from serve in our armed forces. Give
messengers. lives of fear to rest in Your them wisdom to know what is just
unfailing embrace and be and courage to pursue the
 P raise
comforted by Your jubilant song. same, that our nation might be
R epentance
Help all Your baptized people to preserved from discord and be
A ppreciation
cast off anxiety and turn to you mightily protected against all
Y ou
quickly in prayer for every enemies.
E veryone
need, that they might know Your 5 O Lord, You set the prisoners
R esolve
peace. free. Your Son freed the disciples
3 God of Jacob, You sent Your of St. John the Baptist from their
Son into the flesh to gather Your fears and made them witnesses to
people home to You. Strengthen His mighty deeds by commanding
all pastors and servants of the them to go and tell what they had
Church to speak Your mighty seen and heard. Give to us, Your
Word with clarity and passion, and people, grace in these Advent days
by Your Spirit open the hearts of to proclaim boldly to all the world
all who hear to trust Him who the mighty deeds of our Savior.

4. 6 God of all compassion, You hearts by His gracious visitation.
lift up those who are bowed We give You thanks for all Your
down. Remember in Your servants who have departed this
boundless love all who take life in His fear and friendship.
 treatments, the hospitalized, the We beg You to keep us in
Use your prayer notes.
 Use a verse from the lonely, the ill, and the grieving communion with them and to
bible to reflect on. [especially_______________]. strengthen in us the joyful and
 Pray about the last Quiet them with Your certain hope of the resurrection
days. love, comfort them with Your of the body and the life
presence, let Your peace, which everlasting as we await our
 P raise
R epentance surpasses all Savior‘s glorious appearing.
A ppreciation understanding, guard their hearts9 These things and whatever
Y ou and minds in Christ Jesus. else You know us to need, most
E veryone 7 Faithful One, You keep Your Holy Father, grant us for the
R esolve promises and You give to the sake of Him who is the King of
hungry food. Grant all Israel, the Lord who is in our
communicants today to receive midst, and who now lives and
in joy and faith the gift of the reigns with You and the Holy
Savior‘s body and blood that Spirit, one God, now and
they rejoice in the Lord always. forever.
8 O Lord our God, Your Son C Amen.
lightens the darkness of our

5. 1 Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding! Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
"Christ is near," we hear it say. One and all, to be forgiv'n;
"Cast away the works of darkness,
All you children of the day!" 4 So, when next He comes in glory
And the world is wrapped in fear,
2 Startled at the solemn warning, He will shield us with His mercy
Let the earth-bound soul arise; And with words of love draw near.
Christ, its sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies. 5 Honor, glory, might, dominion
to the Father and the Son
3 See, the Lamb, so long expected, With the ever-living Spirit
Comes with pardon down from heav'n. While eternal ages run!

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrWEPFcyQXM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzjHjXe-2XU

7. John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for
the Lord
 Meet w/teams
3-5 min per box
 What are the major points of your text?
 How does your topic fit the pericope
theme?
 How does it connect to the other texts?
How is it unique?

8.  Isaiah 40:1-11 And I said,[c] ―What shall I cry?‖
 Comfort for God's People All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty[d] is like the flower of the
 40 Comfort, comfort my people, says your
field.
God. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
when the breath of the LORD blows on it;
and cry to her surely the people are grass.
that her warfare[a] is ended, 8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
that her iniquity is pardoned, but the word of our God will stand forever.
that she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.  The Greatness of God
 3 A voicecries:[b]  9 Go on up to a high mountain,
―In the wilderness prepare the way of O Zion, herald of good news;[e]
the LORD; lift up your voice with strength,
make straight in the desert a highway for O Jerusalem, herald of good news;[f]
our God. lift it up, fear not;
4 Every valley shall be lifted up, say to the cities of Judah,
and every mountain and hill be made low; ―Behold your God!‖
10 Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain. and his arm rules for him;
5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, behold, his reward is with him,
and all flesh shall see it together, and his recompense before him.
11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.‖
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
 The Word of God Stands Forever
he will carry them in his bosom,
 6 A voice says, ―Cry!‖
and gently lead those that are with young.

9.  1 Corinthians 4:1-5 myself, but I am not thereby
 The Ministry of Apostles acquitted. It is the Lord who
 4 This is how one should
judges me. 5 Thereforedo not
regard us, as servants of pronounce judgment before
Christ and stewards of the the time, before the Lord
mysteries of comes,who will bring to
God. 2 Moreover, it is light the things now hidden
required of stewards that in darkness and will disclose
they be found faithful. 3 But the purposes of the
with me it is a very small heart. Then each one will
thing that I should be judged receive his commendation
by you or by any human from God.
court. In fact, I do not even
judge myself. 4 For I am not
aware of anything against

10.  Matthew 11:2-11 man[b] dressed in soft clothing?
 2 Now when John heard in prison Behold, those who wear soft
about the deeds of the Christ, he clothing are in kings'
sent word by his disciples 3 and houses. 9 What then did you go
said to him, ―Are you the one out to see? A prophet?[c] Yes, I tell
who is to come, or shall we look you, and more than a
for another?‖ 4 And Jesus prophet. 10 This is he of whom it
answered them,―Go and tell John is written,
what you hear and see: 5 the blind  ―‗Behold, I send my messenger
receive their sight and the lame before your face,
walk, lepers[a] are cleansed and who will prepare your way
the deaf hear, and the dead are before you.‘
raised up, and the poor have good  11 Truly, I say to you, among
news preached to them. 6 And those born of women there has
blessed is the one who is not arisen no one greater than John
offended by me.‖ the Baptist. Yet the one who is
 7 As they went away, Jesus began least in the kingdom of heaven is
to speak to the crowds concerning greater than he.
John: ―What did you go out into
the wilderness to see? A reed
shaken by the wind? 8 What then
did you go out to see? A

11.  Psalm 85  8 Let me hear what God
 Revive Us Again the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his
 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the people, to his saints;
Sons of Korah. but let them not turn back to folly.
 85 LORD, you were favorable to your 9 Surely his salvation is near to those
land; who fear him,
you restored the fortunes of Jacob. that glory may dwell in our land.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your
 10 Steadfast love and faithfulness
people; meet;
you covered all their sin. Selah righteousness and peace kiss each
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
other.
you turned from your hot anger. 11 Faithfulness springs up from the
 4 Restore us again, O God of our ground,
salvation, and righteousness looks down
and put away your indignation from the sky.
toward us! 12 Yes, the LORD will give what is
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
good,
Will you prolong your anger to all and our land will yield its increase.
generations? 13 Righteousness will go before him
6 Will you not revive us again,
and make his footsteps a way.
that your people may rejoice in
you?
7 Show us your steadfast
love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation.

12. THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Gaudete)
Isaiah 40:1–8 (9–11)
1 Corinthians 4:1–5
Matthew 11:2–10 (11)
John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord
The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: ―Prepare the way of the Lord . . .‖
(Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah‘s coming through
repentance, for ―all flesh is grass‖ (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, ―Are you the one
who is to come . . .?‖ (Matt. 11:2). Jesus‘ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made
well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is
pardoned; they have received from the Lord‘s hand double forgiveness for all their sins.
The ―stewards of the mysteries of God‖ (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ‘s overflowing
forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God‘s people with the word of the Gospel
which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe.

14.  Fourth S. in Advent (Rorate
Coeli)
 Deut. 18:15-19
 Phil. 4:4-7
 John 1:19-28 or Luke 1:39-
56
 Psalm 111
 John the Baptizer Points
Everyone to the Messiah

15.  Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Pharisees.) 25 They asked him,―Then why are you 52 he has brought down the mighty from their
 A New Prophet like Moses baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor thrones
 15 ―The LORD your God will raise up for you a Elijah, nor the Prophet?‖ 26 John answered them, ―I and exalted those of humble estate;
prophet like me from among you, from your baptize with water, but among you stands one you 53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the and the rich he has sent away empty.
you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to 54 He has helped his servant Israel,
day of the assembly, when you said, ‗Let me not untie.‖ 28 These things took place in Bethany across in remembrance of his mercy,
hear again the voice of the LORDmy God or see this the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 55 as he spoke to our fathers,
great fire any more, lest I die.‘ 17 And  Luke 1:39-56 to Abraham and to his offspring forever.‖
the LORD said to me, ‗They are right in what they  Mary Visits Elizabeth  56 And Mary remained with her about three months
have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet  39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste and returned to her home.
like you from among their brothers. And I will put into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she  Psalm 111
my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them entered the house of Zechariah and greeted  Great Are the LORD's Works
all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting 111 [a] Praise the LORD!
listen to my words that he shall speak in my of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
name, I myself will require it of him. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she in the company of the upright, in the
 Philippians 4:4-7 exclaimed with a loud cry, ―Blessed are you among congregation.
 English Standard Version (ESV) women, and blessed is the fruit of your 2 Great are the works of the LORD,
 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the studied by all who delight in them.
say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For 3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious behold, when the sound of your greeting came to and his righteousness endures forever.
about anything, but in everything by prayer and my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for 4 He has caused his wondrous works to be
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there remembered;
made known to God. 7 And the peace of would be[a] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her the LORD is gracious and merciful.
God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard from the Lord.‖ 5 He provides food for those who fear him;
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat he remembers his covenant forever.
 John 1:19-28  46 And Mary said, 6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
 The Testimony of John the Baptist  ―My soul magnifies the Lord, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his all his precepts are trustworthy;
him, ―Who are you?‖ 20 He confessed, and did not servant. 8 they are established forever and ever,
deny, but confessed, ―I am not the Christ.‖ 21 And For behold, from now on all generations will call to be performed with faithfulness and
they asked him, ―What then? Are you Elijah?‖ He me blessed; uprightness.
said, ―I am not.‖ ―Are you the Prophet?‖ And he 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for 9 He sent redemption to his people;
answered, ―No.‖ 22 So they said to him, ―Who are me, he has commanded his covenant forever.
you? We need to give an answer to those who sent and holy is his name. Holy and awesome is his name!
us. What do you say about yourself?‖ 23 He said, ―I 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
am the voice of one crying out in the from generation to generation. all those who practice it have a good
wilderness, ‗Make straight[a] the way of the Lord,‘ 51 He has shown strength with his arm; understanding.
as the prophet Isaiah said.‖ he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their His praise endures forever!
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