Second Sunday of Advent: Repentance and Grace

 Second Sunday of Advent

Repentance and Grace

It was of him (St John the Baptist) that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:  A voice of one crying in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. - Matthew 3: 3 



"A humble confession displeases Satan and,
if he could, he would make you
omit Holy Communion."

Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

 During this holy Advent season make frequent and good confessions that you may receive 
frequent and good Holy Communions.

 

On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry

Advent Hymn by Charles Coffin (+1749)

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Come, then, and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings.

Then cleansed by every Christian breast
And furnished for so great a Guest.
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.

For Thou art our Salvation, Lord,
Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace our souls must fade
And wither like a flower decayed.

Lay on the sick Thy healing hand
And make the fallen strong to stand;
Show us the glory of Thy face
Till beauty springs in every place.

All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Who advent sets Thy people free,
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore.