2nd Sunday of Advent

Devotion for the 2nd Sunday in Advent

Verse

Psalm 85:7 (ESV) “Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.”

Meditation

The Second Sunday of Advent draws our hearts toward the deep longing expressed by the psalmist: “Show us your steadfast love.” Advent is a season shaped by repentance, but not repentance rooted in fear—rather, in the sure confidence that God’s steadfast love never fails. The psalmist’s plea recognizes that salvation is not something we achieve or uncover; it is something God grants. As Israel awaited the Messiah, they looked for the unfailing covenant mercy of the Lord. We now look back on Christ’s first coming and forward to His return, living in the tension between fulfillment and promise. Advent reminds us that God’s salvation is personal, gracious, and rooted in His faithful character. In our weariness, anxieties, and sin, we are invited to lift our eyes to the Lord whose love restores and redeems. The God who sent His Son into the world continues to draw near to His people. In Christ, God has shown His steadfast love fully—and through Him, He grants salvation that renews hearts and brings peace. Advent teaches us to wait with repentance, trust, and hope, anchored in the mercy of God.

New Testament Verse

“‘And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” Luke 3:6 (ESV)

As the psalmist pleads for God to grant salvation, John the Baptist proclaims its arrival in Christ. In the same way Psalm 85 longs for steadfast love, Luke announces that this salvation is for all people. Advent leads us to the One in whom God’s saving mercy is revealed to the world.

Old Testament Verse

“‘The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love.’” Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

In the same spirit as the psalmist’s longing for God’s steadfast love, Zephaniah proclaims that the Lord Himself dwells among His people to save. As Psalm 85 asks for salvation, this verse assures us that God’s saving presence brings joy, peace, and renewal.

Collect

Merciful Lord, whose steadfast love is our refuge and our hope, show us Your saving grace as we journey through this holy season. Turn our hearts to Your Son, that we may trust His redeeming work and walk in the light of His coming; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding;

“Christ is near,” we hear it say;

“Cast away the works of darkness,

All you children of the day!”

Startled at the solemn warning,

Let the earthbound soul arise;

(LSB 345 – “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding,” verse 1 — Public Domain)