December 8th, 2004, 2nd Sunday of Advent.

A reading from the book of the prophet, Baruch.

Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery.

Put on the splendor of glory from God forever.

Wrapped in the cloak of justice from God,

bear on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor. You will be named by God

forever, the peace of justice, the glory of God's worship. Up Jerusalem, stand upon the heights. Look to the east and see your

children, gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that they are

remembered by God. Let away on foot by their enemies they left you,

but God will bring them back to you,

born aloft in glory as on royal thrones.

For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low,

and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground,

that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God. The forests in every fragrant kind of tree have overshadowed Israel at God's command,

for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company.

The Word of the Lord.

The Lord, the Lord has done great things for us. We are filled with joy.

The Lord, the Lord has done great things for us.

We are filled with joy.

When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion,

we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with rejoicing

...