Note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

SERVING in Worship Today:

• Assisting Minister: Cheryl Rawlings

• Lector: Cheryl Alvord

• Communion ministers: Janet Swarstad, Cheryl Alvord,  David Alvord, Vivian Rawlings

• Ushers: Mark Clist, Ray Denny, Lyle Peterson, Julie Skrzypek

• Wine walkers: Georgia Hudak and Kim Judy

• Prayer station: Deborah Mitchell

• Coffee Servers: Bob Gibbs, Jenni Gibbs

READING: Isaiah 35:3-6

The prophet describes the return from the Babylonian captivity as a joyous procession to Zion. God’s coming reign will bring a renewal of creation in which health and wholeness will be restored. There is no need for fear, for God is coming to save.

 3 Strengthen the weak hands

  and make firm the feeble knees.

 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

  “Be strong, do not fear!

 Here is your God.

  He will come with vengeance,

 with terrible recompense.

  He will come and save you.”

 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

  and the ears of the deaf shall be opened;

 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer,

  and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy…

READING: IJames 5:7-9

In anticipation of the Lord’s coming, Christians are called upon to cultivate patience rather than discontent.

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!

GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11

John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God’s judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus’ response indicates that God’s reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”