Preparing - The Second Sunday of Advent

This Sunday will be the second Sunday of Advent.  The texts from the Psalms (85: 8 - 13) the prophets -  Isaiah (40:1 - 11) and the gospels - Mark (1: 1 - 8) are about preparing.  We wait and we prepare.

I'm not sure yet how the sermon will go - I'm still preparing.... but I'm especially interested right now in these verses from the selection from the Psalms:

I will hear what God the LORD will say for he will speak peace to his people, to his godly ones,but let them not turn back to folly.  Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,that glory may dwell in our land.  Loving kindness and truth have met together  righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  Truth springs from the earth  and righteousness looks down from heaven  .Indeed, the LORD will give what is good and our land will yield its produce.  Righteousness will go before him  and prepare a way for his steps.

Like last week, if you appreciate the picture above you should feel free to download it for your own personal use or at your church.  It's my gift to you.

And if you can, would you give to The Salvation Army?  This is our big fund-raising season.  You can give at the kettles, mail in a donation, deliver it in person, or - if you don't like to venture out into the cold - you can even donate online via this online kettle.  That link will take you to my online kettle for the Fairmont, Minnesota corps, but you can use it to find the Salvation Army nearest to you.  Thank you for thinking of us this year.