Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. ~ Luke 21:28

I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. ~ Luke 7:28 (NRSV)

Image: Holy Family with St. John the Baptist, Michelangelo, 1506

And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them." ~ Luke 21:8 (NRSV)

Image: Jacobello Alberegno , altare dell'apocalisse, 1360-90

He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’ ~ Luke 21:3-4 (NRSV)

Image: The Widow's Mite, Gustave Dore, 1880

You will save a lowly people, but you will humble the haughty eyes.

But I put my trust in your mercy; *

The Lord will hear the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their heart and your ears shall hear;

Image: Comforter, Catherine Murphy, 2007

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!

nImage: St. Andrew, Exterior mosaic next to the cathedral at Amalfi, Italy.

Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. ~ Matthew 25:11 (NRSV)

Image: "Advent Tradition: Old and New," Fumbling Toward Grace, blog by Sarah Babbs at https://www.patheos.com/blogs/fumblingtowardgrace/2009/11/30/advent-tradition-old-and-new/

You hide your face, and they are terrified; you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.