Third Wednesday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 21, 2023
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Today’s Texts:

Psalm 23: The beloved psalm portraying God as a caring shepherd watching over His people.

Isaiah 40:28-31: An encouragement that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Today’s Meditation:   In the comforting words of Psalm 23, we find the imagery of God as a shepherd, a portrayal that speaks deeply to our need for guidance, provision, and protection. This psalm reassures us of God’s constant presence, even in the darkest valleys of our lives. Isaiah 40 complements this by reminding us of the unfailing strength and wisdom of God. This scripture encourages us to place our hope in the Lord, assuring us that in doing so, our strength will be renewed. Together, these passages invite us to trust in the Divine Shepherd, who guides and sustains us, and to draw from the endless well of strength that comes from a hopeful relationship with God. Today, let us lean into this assurance, finding comfort and strength in the presence of our Shepherd.

Something to Think and Pray About:

1. How can the image of God as a shepherd help you navigate challenging times in your life?
2. In what ways can you cultivate hope and trust in God to renew your strength during times of weariness?

A Prayer For Today:  Divine Shepherd, in this season of Advent, guide us with Your love and wisdom. Help us to find comfort and strength in Your presence, especially in challenging moments. May we place our hope in You, trusting that You will renew our strength and lead us along the right paths. Guide us to embody Your love and compassion in our interactions, being a source of comfort to those around us. Amen.