Scripture for Today | Philippians 1:3-11 (with Pastor Nick)

About this Episode

Opening Song:

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus by Charles Wesley, Rita West, and Rowland Hugh Prichard

Lyrics:

Come Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set thy people free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in thee

Israel's strength and consolation

Hope of all the earth thou art

Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart

 

Born thy people to deliver

Born a child and yet a King

Born to reign in us forever

Now thy gracious kingdom bring

By thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone

By thine all sufficient merit

Raise us to thy glorious throne

 

You're our joy

You're our hope

 

Israel's strength and consolation

Hope of all the earth thou art

Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart

Passage: 

3   I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

(Philippians 1:3–11 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, tune by Rowland Hugh Prichard

Reflection Notes: 

This jubilant Advent text was written by the well-known hymn writer, Charles Wesley. While several tunes have been used over the years, one of the most popular for the Advent season is HYFRIDOL, a lilting Welsh melody composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard in the early nineteenth century. 

Prayer:

Ever-present God, you taught us that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. Grant that we may ever be found watching for the coming of your Son. Save us from undue love

of the world, that we may wait with patient hope for the day of the Lord, and so abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may not be ashamed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A prayer from the Church of Scotland