Education at Emmanuel
LECTIONARY PLUS: Prepare for Worship This Sunday.
This Week’s Readings:
Isaiah 11:1–10 • Romans 15:4–13 • Matthew 3:1–12
Our readings for the second week of Advent point us to the Root of Jesse—the promised Messiah who will come to bring lasting peace. The prophets paint a vivid vision of what the Messiah will represent: a ruler filled with wisdom, justice, and righteousness, who ushers in a world made whole again.
The peace of the Lord transforms the way we think and live. Through God’s promises, a broken world is reshaped into something beautiful. Isaiah’s prophecy invites us to imagine a future where creation is restored, relationships are healed, and God’s reign of peace is fully realized.
John the Baptist’s call rings out during this season as well: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” As we hear these scriptures, we are reminded that God’s Word gives us hope—hope rooted in God’s faithfulness—and fills our hearts with Christ’s peace.
In this second week of Advent, may these promises steady our spirits, shape our expectations, and prepare us for the coming of our King.
THIS WEEK’S SUNDAY FORUM! This week’s topic: Buddhism: What is its Impact on Christianity?
This Sunday we continue our four-part Advent series, “Living Among the World’s Religions.” This week we continue with a look at Buddhism - a tradition focused on becoming a better human being through mindful living and inner transformation.
Buddhism teaches that we are to live fully in the present moment and cultivate awareness of our thoughts, because what we think shapes who we become. It encourages letting go of attachments to people, possessions, and desires—including money and material comforts—because clinging leads to suffering. Instead, Buddhism embraces change as a natural part of life.
A key insight from Buddhist teaching is that love and attachment are not the same. Genuine love allows others to flourish; attachment tries to hold and control. By releasing our attachments, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of peace.
Buddhism is often described as a philosophy and a way of life, centered on inner growth, compassion, and the pursuit of true happiness that comes from within, not from external circumstances.
Join us Sunday at 10:15 AM in the Community Room as we explore these themes and consider how understanding Buddhism can enrich our own faith and life.