Bible Readings and Devotion for November 29 and 30, 2020
Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible.
November 29
November 30 – St. Andrew Day
Devotion for November 29 and 30, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
Advent has begun. This is the four Sunday period prior to Christmas Day. It is a time of repentance from sin and renewal of faith as we prepare for the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.
One of the connections to Advent is the day of remembrance for St. Andrew, Apostle. That day is November 30. It is suggested that this date is chosen because it is at the beginning of the church year. The first Sunday in Advent, which is the beginning of the church year, is always the closest Sunday to St. Andrew Day. Andrew is known as the First Called disciple or the “Πρωτόκλητος” (protokletos). The First Called, the first one celebrated each year.
Here is a description of the life and ministry of St. Andrew. It is from the Sundays and Seasons resources which we use for various worship and teaching materials in the church.
“Andrew was the first of the Twelve. He is known as a fisherman who left his net to follow Jesus. As a part of his calling, he brought other people, including Simon Peter, to meet Jesus. The Byzantine church honors Andrew as its patron and points out that because he was the first of Jesus’ followers, he was, in the words of John Chrysostom, “the Peter before Peter.” Together with Philip, Andrew leads a number of Greeks to speak with Jesus, and it is Andrew who shows Jesus a boy with five barley loaves and two fish. Andrew is said to have died on a cross saltire, an X-shaped cross.”
Prayer
Almighty God, you gave your apostle Andrew the grace to obey the call of your Son and to bring his brother to Jesus. Give us also, who are called by your holy word, grace to follow Jesus without delay and to bring into his presence those who are near to us, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Martin Luther Lutheran Church 