Second Friday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 15, 2023
{view/print PDF}

Today’s Texts:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 – Finding joy in the Lord despite difficult circumstances.
Psalm 27:1, 5, 8, 10-14 – A psalm celebrating how God is with us in our need.

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.

Psalm 27:1,5,8,10-14
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.
If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Today’s Meditation:   Habakkuk describes a moment that would be hard for anyone to endure without giving up hope. And yet, he lays claim to hope by joyfully continuing to trust in God’s help and salvation. His faith shines as a beacon that guides him beyond immediate struggles, because he remains focused on God’s eternal faithfulness. Similarly, Psalm 27 sings out with confidence about true the essence of endurance and resilience by encouraging us to wait for the Lord with bravery and hope in our hearts.  These passages remind us that our current trials cannot limit our capacity for joy and hope! They beckon us to faithfully lean into God’s enduring love, a love that carries us across the varying seasons of our lives. During this Advent season let’s tap into this wellspring of spiritual strength and resilience, confident that, in every twist and turn, God walks beside us, offering guidance and support.

Something to Think and Pray About:

• How can your faith cultivate a sense of joy and hope, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty?
• What does it mean for you to wait for the Lord and find strength in God’s love?

A Prayer For Today:  Loving Creator, in the midst of life’s complexities, help us to find our joy and strength in You. Remind us of Your constant presence and unfailing love, especially when we face challenges. Nurture in us a spirit of resilience and hope that endures, rooted in Your eternal love. Amen.