Adv2B23.     Isaiah 40:1-5; 9-11.    The Hebrews are being led out of slavery by a loving, comforting, caring God.  He is the almighty, awesome, all-powerful God.  “Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm.” “Like a shepherd he feeds his flock.”

Mark 1:8.  John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Lord to enter into the hearts and minds of his people by “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Speaking of the coming Messiah, John said, “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  Advent is that special time when we ask the Holy Spirit to make us holy as he is holy so that the new born Messiah will feel comfortable within us.

2 Peter 3:8-14.  In preparing for the second coming of the Lord Peter exhorts the followers of Christ to prepare themselves by “conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion.”  When Jesus comes the second time all the physical things that are so precious to us vanish and dissolve.  The only thing that is truly precious and dear is having the Lord within us.