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Our futile present vs. God's future presence

Worship
Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
Psalm 24
Matthew 1:18-25
Paul A. Laughlin
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Series II
Exegetical note: In its original setting, this famous prophecy was directed at a reluctant recipient, King Ahaz of Judah, and promised him, despite the seeming futility of his present political situation, a sign of eventual success over his enemies in the person of one to be born to a girl (almah) and to be named, symbolically, "God with us." The passage reflects the Old Testament pattern of promising future divine presence and providence to the hard-pressed, and to that extent points to Jesus as a medium of God's saving activity.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 24)
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