Baruch 5: 1-9
The Lord reaches out to his people, who are challenged to welcome the Lord with joy and remove every barrier to his presence in their lives.

Philippians 1: 3-6. 8-11
When Paul calls the people of Philippi to mind and prays for them, he does so with joy.  He urges them to increase in love for each other.

Luke 3: 1-6
John the Baptist is firmly rooted in human history and geography as he is about to begin his ministry.