Holding Fast to Hope

Kenny Benge preached a sermon entitled “Holding Fast to Hope” from Luke 3:1-14 for the Second Sunday of Advent on December 9, 2012. God did not leave us to figure him out, to feel up toward Him, but rather He speaks to us, reveals Himself to us through Scripture. As we keep His word, our Trinitarian God comes to make His home with us. (John 14:22-23.

The collect for 2nd Advent is one of my favorites. It is an original composition of the English Reformer, Thomas Cranmer, and reflects the recovery of the primacy of Scripture at the time of the English Reformation:

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-14