Psalm for Sunday, December 16, 2018

Reflections

Isaiah 12:  2-3, 4, 5-6   (Read)

“With joy you will draw water from 
the fountains of salvation.”

This is a Song of Thanksgiving, from the
prophet Isaiah, expressed in the language 
of the Psalms.  But the prophet is also 
speaking about salvation -- “God indeed 
is my salvation.”  Later Isaiah says, 
“With joy you will draw water from the 
fountains of salvation.”

These verses speak to us of our Savior and 
are in keeping with the theme of this Sunday's 
first reading, “The Lord your God is a mighty 
savior.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)

And having been promised salvation, we are to
“Rejoice in the Lord always,” as St Paul tells us 
in Sunday's second Reading. (Philippians 4:4)

And what effect does the promise of salvation
have on us?  We draw strength from our saving
relationship with God – Isaiah says it for us,
“I am confident and unafraid.”  (Remember, God’s 
perfect love drives out fear.)  Isaiah gives us further 
evidence, “My strength and my courage is the Lord.”

And where does the power come from that is the 
source of our courage?   It comes from our baptism,
first with water, then from our baptism in the Holy 
Spirit.  This is the good news that John preached
when he promised that the Christ would baptize us 
with the Holy Spirit. (Gospel, Luke 3:16)

And as Isaiah reminds us, during this season of Advent 
we are to sing praise to the Lord -- “Let the good news 
be known throughout all the earth!”  We are to “Shout 
with exultation, for great in our midst, is the Holy One 
of Israel!”

Amen


Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  Our Response this Sunday is, 'Cry out with joy and gladness:
for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.'   Describe how
you prepare to receive Jesus inside your heart during this season
of Advent.

2.  Isaiah says, 'My strength and my courage is the Lord.'   Explain
what this verse means to you, especially at this time of the year.