Third Wednesday of Advent
Daily Advent Readings & Meditation
December 20, 2023
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Today’s Texts:
Psalm 121: A psalm affirming God’s faithful protection and help through all circumstances.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: God comforts us in hardships so we can comfort others.

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.

Today’s Meditation:   Psalm 121 is a powerful affirmation of God’s unwavering protection and assistance. It reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of all, who is always vigilant and caring. In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the nature of God as a source of comfort in our afflictions, enabling us to extend that same consolation to others in their times of need. These passages together speak to the cyclical nature of comfort and care within the community of faith. We are reminded that in our moments of need, we are not alone; God is with us, providing strength and solace. And in turn, we are called to be instruments of God’s comfort to others, sharing the love and support we have received. Today, let us embrace this divine cycle of comfort, finding strength in God’s presence and being a source of strength to those around us.

Something to Think and Pray About:

1. How have you experienced God’s protection and comfort in your life, and how can you extend that comfort to others?
2. What does it mean for you to be an instrument of God’s comfort in your community, especially to those who may feel overlooked or burdened?

A Prayer For Today:  Gracious God, on this third Wednesday of Advent, we thank You for Your faithful protection and the comfort You provide in times of hardship. Help us to lift our eyes to You in every circumstance, trusting in Your steadfast presence. Empower us to be bearers of Your comfort and love, sharing the solace we have found in You with those around us. May our lives reflect Your care and compassion, bringing hope and encouragement to our community. Amen