Psalm 27:1, 4-5, 11-14, Isaiah 30:15-26, Revelation 2:1-29 - Lectionary for 12/14/11

God's word today is for those who suffer adversity. We see that hardship about us in all ways, small and large, from the defeats we suffer in business, games and personal relationships to the loss of possessions, property, our right minds, or our lives in this fallen world. No matter the adversity we face, whatever form suffering comes in, we can rest in the arms of Jesus our savior, knowing that he has borne our sorrows, that he is well acquainted with our grief, and that he has given himself for our sakes, to redeem us through all our suffering, bringing us safely to his perfect, everlasting kingdom. In this time of Advent we call upon our Lord to come. We know that Jesus is the redeemer promised by God. We know that from the foundation of the world Jesus is the lamb of God slain for us, appointed to make us holy, to bring us to God. May the Lord bless us as we look to his great promises and anticipate his coming.