Lectionary Texts For Advent

The following are the texts suggested for the Sundays of Advent in the Revised Common Lectionary. Brief descriptions of each lesson are provided to aid in recalling the basic theme of each passage.

Year A (1995, 1998, etc.)
SUNDAY	OLD TESTAMENT	PSALM/CANTICLE	EPISTLE	GOSPEL
First	Isaiah 2:1–5, God will teach us what to do. Swords to plows.	122	Romans 13:11–14, Wake up! The day is almost here.	Matthew 24:36–44, no one knows the day or the hour.
Second	Isaiah 11:1–10, the peaceful kingdom.	72:1–7, 18–19	Romans 15:4–13, Christ, root of Jesse, hope of the Gentiles.	Matthew 3:1–12, the preaching of John the Baptist.
Third	Isaiah 35:1–10, the road of holiness, the desert will rejoice	Luke 1:46–55	James 5:7–10, How do you live while you wait for the day? Patience.	Matthew 11:2–11, John's messengers: "Are you the one?"
Fourth	Isaiah 7:10–16, The sign of Emmanuel. God hasn't given up.	80:1–7, 17–19	Romans 1:1–7, promise to David for all through Good News in Jesus.	Matthew 1:18–25, the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel.
Year B (1996, 1999, etc.)
SUNDAY	OLD TESTAMENT	PSALM/CANTICLE	EPISTLE	GOSPEL
First	Isaiah 64:1–9, a prayer for mercy and help. God like a potter.	80:1–7, 17–19	1 Corinthians 1:3–9, Christ will keep us faultless on that day.	Mark 13:24–37, coming of the Son of Man. No one knows when.
Second	Isaiah 40:1–11, comfort people. A voice in the desert.	85:1–2, 8–13	2 Peter 3:8–15a, the day will come like a thief. Be holy.	Mark 1:1–8, the preaching of John the Baptist.
Third	Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11, good news to the poor, captives, love justice.	126	1 Thessalonians 5:16–24, may God keep you until the coming of Christ.	John 1:6–8, 19–28, God sent John as messenger. John's message.
Fourth	2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16, God's words of hope to David and descendants.	Luke 1:46–55	Romans 16:25–27, God will help you stand firm.	Luke 1:26–38, birth of Jesus announced to Mary.
Year C (1994, 1997, etc.)
SUNDAY	OLD TESTAMENT	PSALM/CANTICLE	EPISTLE	GOSPEL
First	Jeremiah 33:14–16, time is coming when I will choose a King.	25:1–10	1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, thank God for you. May you be ready when he comes.	Luke 21:25–36, coming of Son of Man. Fig tree, watch out.
Second	Malachi 3:1–4, I will send my messenger.	Luke 1:68–79	Philippians 1:3–11, I pray your love will keep growing until that day.	Luke 3:1–6, John the Baptist, "Get ready."
Third	Zephaniah 3:14–20, Rejoice Jerusalem! Punishment over.	Isaiah 12:2–6	Philippians 4:4–7, Rejoice, be gentle, do all good. The Lord is coming soon.	Luke 3:7–18, the preaching of John the Baptist.
Fourth	Micah 5:2–5a, God promises a ruler from Bethlehem.	Luke 1:46–55	Hebrews 10:5–10, Why did Christ come? To be a sacrifice for us.	Luke 1:39–45, Mary visits Elizabeth. Magnificat.