Tuesday in Advent

1Verse 1. Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2Verse 2. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. 3Verse 3. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. 4Verse 4. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. 5Verse 5. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming — a river that could not be crossed on foot. 6Verse 6. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7Verse 7. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. 8Verse 8. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Dead Sea, the water there becomes fresh. 9Verse 9. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish. 10Verse 10. Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. 11Verse 11. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12Verse 12. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”

17Verse 17. But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18Verse 18. when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” 19Verse 19. These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit. 20Verse 20. But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21Verse 21. keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. 22Verse 22. And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; 23Verse 23. save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. 24Verse 24. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy — 25Verse 25. to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.