O Radix Jesse
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1–15
What kind of life pleases our good and gracious God? It is a mysterious one indeed. It is characterized by unpretentious piety with a quiet spirit. It is one awed by His majesty, neither quick-tempered nor anxious to adorn itself with material goods and the opinions of men. Seizing authority not given, especially within the house of God, has not the slightest appeal. It is that of Christ Jesus, the root of Jesse—the promised Davidic heir foretold from ages past—in whom God delights. Let us kneel, then, before our humble King who laid lowly in a manger.
Prayer: O Lord, You bless Your people with peace. Grant us meek and quiet hearts as those being conformed to the image of Your Son, in whom You are well pleased, so that we can proclaim the wonders of Your blessed kingdom even to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn LSB 354:3
The humble heart and lowly
God raises up on high;
Beneath His feet in terror
The haughty soul shall lie.
The heart sincere and right,
That heeds God’s invitation
And makes true preparation—
It is the Lord’s delight.
(Nicholas Belcher, Sem I)
