Thursday in Advent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Hosea 6:1-6

Verse 1. Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. Verse 2. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. Verse 3. So let us know — let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. Verse 4. What shall I do with you, O Ephraim ? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes. Verse 5. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning. Verse 6. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

PSALM

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. You showed favor to Your land, O LORD; You restored Jacob from captivity.

You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin.

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.

Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.

Faithfulness sprouts from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

The LORD will indeed provide what is good, and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.

SECOND READING

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Verse 2. We always thank God for all of you, remembering you in our prayers Verse 3. and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4. Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, Verse 5. because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction — just as you know we lived among you for your sake. Verse 6. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. Verse 7. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Verse 8. For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more. Verse 9. For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God Verse 10. and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead — Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.