Our Dwelling Place, O God--Dec. 8, 2012

 Buildings crumble, temples thrown down;

but in all generations you, O God,

have been our dwelling place.

You have given us shade from the heat,

refuge and shelter from storm and rain.

More than this, you have given us hope,

hope about those who have died,

so that we may not grieve.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 90; 149; 80; 72

Isa. 4:2-6

1 Thess. 4:13-18

Luke 21:5-19

Selected Verses

Ps. 90:1

 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
          in all generations.

Isa. 4:6

[The canopy over Mount Zion] will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.

1 Thess. 4:13

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

Luke 21:5-16

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."