Advent 2003
Dear Friends,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
We are blessed to have one another with whom to share the joys and wonders of this season of Advent! It is a season of hope, of promise, of new beginnings. Our Scripture takes us on a journey through the cosmic signs and wonders urging us to consider the “second coming” of Christ. And then, as we anticipate the babe in the manger, we hear God’s call to us ~ trust in me ~ have hope ~ rejoice!
And we know, that no matter what challenges life offers, God is with us and will remain with us ~ come what may. Draw close to God during this season of Advent. May our daily reflections on God’s word offer you a morsel of food for your soul. Prepare your hearts, trust, hope ~ rejoice!
In Christ’s love,
Ann+
The contents of this Advent Reflection section is also available as a PDF file so that you may create a printable verison to take with you wherever you may go.
Table of Contents
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Week of 1 Advent
- Sunday, November 30
- Monday, December 1
- Tuesday, December 2
- Wednesday, December 3
- Thursday, December 4
- Friday, December 5
- Saturday, December 6
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Week of 2 Advent
- Sunday, December 7
- Monday, December 8
- Tuesday, December 9
- Wednesday, December 10
- Thursday, December 11
- Friday, December 12
- Saturday, December 13
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Week of 3 Advent
- Sunday, December 14
- Monday, December 15
- Tuesday, December 16
- Wednesday, December 17
- Thursday, December 18
- Friday, December 19
- Saturday, December 20
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Week of 4 Advent
- Sunday, December 21
- Monday, December 22
- Tuesday, December 23
- Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve
- More Advent Reflections
Week of 1 Advent
Psalms 146, 147 & 111, 112, 113
Amos 1:1-5,13––2:8 1 Thess. 5:1-11 Luke 21:5-19
Advent proclaims Jesus is coming!
To me the most important thing about Advent is that it gives us time to anticipate a great event—the birth if Jesus. Remember we have some choices as we await His coming. For some time during the day we can sit quietly, talk with God, pray, read Scripture assigned for the day. We can also leave our lists and tasks behind for a time as we prepare for the coming of our Savior as a tiny baby.
Help us to hold fast to what is good and believe that a little can make a difference. Help us to see your miracle gifts, God, and thank you for this wondrous gift of your Son.
Psalms 1, 2, 3 & 4, 7
Amos 2:6-16 2 Pet. 1:1-11 Matt. 21:1-11
It seems to me that the common theme in these readings is that we will be held accountable before God; no matter how rich or powerful we may be, if we fail to use our gifts for the building of his kingdom, we will be powerless before God’s judgment. The good news is that God will provide everything we need to gain salvation. However, it is up to us to build on those gifts, to use them properly, and to enrich other people’s lives. In Luke, Christ gives us an example of how to live our lives when he humbles himself on a donkey in his “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem. The gifts mentioned in Peter (faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love) are our keys to opening the doors of God’s kingdom. If we use those keys in our everyday life, then our reward in heaven awaits us.
Psalms 5, 6 & 10, 11
Amos 3:1-11 2 Pet. 1:12-21 Matt. 21:12-22
Today’s passage from the Gospel of Matthew may seem odd placed here in the first week of Advent. It tells the story of Jesus’ reaction to those who use the temple not for worship and prayer, but for their own gain and profit. We are also told the story of the fig tree. How does this fit in our Advent journey? Hear the words of Jesus as he quotes the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, “My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a den of robbers.”
Jesus is challenging the intention of those gathered in the temple who seek their own profit. Jesus is challenging those who come to a house of prayer not for prayer but for personal gain. Jesus is challenging the intention of those who use the temple for a consumer marketplace seeking to take from others but not willing to give anything to God.
Contrary to our culture, Advent calls us not to a time of consumerism, rather to a time of prayer and preparation. Advent calls us to prayerful introspection that we may stand before God in prayer, singing praises and giving thanks to be sure, but also with a willingness to ask God to make ourselves houses of prayer. That means we are called to remove distractions and motivations, and be clear about our intentions. To pray is to be open to the deep penetrating love of God. This love is not limited to a good feeling, but this love becomes real and present in the birth of Jesus Christ. We are called to faith that fully acknowledges the power and glory of God and the saving love of Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Receive we will, the gift of love itself incarnate in the birth of the Christ. May we prepare ourselves to be faithful people. The best preparation for such a gift is prayer, a prayer that purges our desires so that we may respond to the love of God.
Psalms 119:1-24 & 12, 13, 14
Amos 3:12––4:5 2 Pet. 3:1-10 Matt. 21:23-32
For young children, Christmas is a time of great expectation and great joy. They experience true wonder and excitement as they anticipate the gifts that they will receive. As we grow in faith, we are challenged to move beyond our desire for material gifts only. We are challenged to fully acknowledge the wondrous gift of Christ’s saving grace and to find joy in our obedience to God’s laws. The temptation to stray and to lose ourselves in worldly excesses is ever present. Let us find comfort and joy in our acceptance of Christ’s authority and remain patient as we anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promise to create new heavens and a new earth (Isa 65.17; 66.22; Rev 21.1).
Psalms 18:1-20 & 18:21-50
Amos 4:6-13 2 Pet. 3:11-18 Matt. 21:33-46
As winter approaches with its encompassing chill and oft powdery backdrop, we as a nation tend to slow down to find more time to spend with our loved ones. The holidays come around, and we are surrounded by the media frenzy that is St. Nick. Comfort is found in our hearts, and peace is passed on in verbal fashion. But let us not forget the greatest celebration of this joyous season. A birthday celebration.
With the birth of Baby Jesus, a light of hope was shed on this Earth. Amongst hatred and fighting within a land, a symbol of innocence came to us, the perfect gift. However, it is difficult on occasion to stand strong with so many seemingly unneeded offenses between man and man, brother and brother. Have we lost sight of our goal? It is then that you must remember that Holy Spirit loves unconditionally. Like in 2 Peter 3:9 it is nice and calming to know that “it is not that the Lord is slow in keeping his promise, as some suppose, but that he is patient with you.” Let us all use this time to repent and be grateful for God’s love.
Psalms 16, 17 & 22
Amos 5:1-17 Jude 1-16 Matt. 22:1-14
The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. (Matthew 22:1-2)
Jesus told some very puzzling stories. We've heard them many times, and we've heard them preached a few times, too, but I remain puzzled. Is the Kingdom of Heaven like the king? Or the unattended marriage feast? Or is the Kingdom of Heaven somehow like the whole story? But more puzzling is the notion of bunches of people who, invited to a royal party, would not come. Why would we turn down an invitation to a party that was sure to be dazzling, where the food was sure to be the best we'd ever tasted, and the company incomparably gracious? Because we thought the other guests would be TOO gracious and we wouldn't know how to talk to them? Because we don't deserve being part of such a joyful event? Or perhaps because it is all too easy to postpone joy until we deal with life's apparently more pressing responsibilities? Beats me.
Psalms 20, 21:1-7(8-14) & 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117
Amos 5:18-27 Jude 17-25 Matt. 22:15-22
How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. (Psalm 116:12-14)
The Nicene Creed, The Lord's Prayer, The Confession; we hear these and other parts of the liturgy Sunday after Sunday, until it seems like we might say them by rote without thinking about what they mean. Yet I am continually amazed that different phrases pop out at me every week as if I had never heard them before, and that others continue to have an impact service after service. Passages like “from you no secrets are hid,” “rendering no one evil for evil,” “as we forgive those who trespass against us,” “by what we have left undone,” “he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead” weave through my consciousness during the week and affect my thoughts and behavior. I've come to understand that for me, if I recite these words I must believe them, and if I believe them I must act on them.
Week of 2 Advent
Psalms 148, 149, 150 & 114, 115
Amos 6:1-14 2 Thess. 1:5-12 Luke 1:57-68
Our household is a mix of two cultures—Indian and American—and two religions—Hinduism and Christianity. A blend of family traditions reflects this mix, particularly at holiday times. One of the biggest festivals in India is Diwali, which typically occurs just before the Christmas season, often during Advent. Hindus around the world celebrate Diwali, also called the “festival of lights.” Of all the festivals in the Hindu religion, Diwali is the most important.
The origins of Diwali are found in Hindu mythology. Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is associated with opulence and is worshiped with special prayers at Diwali. She is given a royal welcome and treated with great respect. Diwali is also associated with the legend of Ram returning to Ayodhya after killing the demon Ravan. Today, effigies of Ravan are burned and firecrackers lit to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Finally, because Diwali comes at the end of fall, it is also an occasion to celebrate a good harvest.
Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the calendar year, and in these modern times, the main attractions are many lights and plenty of Indian sweets. People send greeting cards and visit and phone family and friends. Fireworks are often used in the celebrations. Every house and shop takes great care to decorate with oil lamps or electric lights. Houses are painted, and the floors are decorated with designs made with colored rice, sand, or flowers. Everyone pitches in to make everything look its best and as grand as they can afford. It is a joyous and colorful experience.
In our house, we put up lights, send greeting cards, enjoy special Indian foods, and most important, we visit the local Hindu temple. It likely appears to our neighbors that the Christmas lights are up early! For us, Diwali is a great occasion to renew friendships, spend time with the family, and think about the new year ahead.
Psalms 25 & 9, 15
Amos 7:1-9 Rev. 1:1-8 Matt. 22:23-33
Another day begins. Will you shine or whine? It really does depend on you and your relationship with God. Have you noticed when reading the Psalms the times the author is whining and complaining to God? Have you also noticed that usually by the end of the harangue the author is praising God, trusting God’s guidance, and feeling hopeful? We all know too well how to whine, but are we able to move into the “shine” part where we acknowledge God’s love for and care of us? The psalmist could…and that is the challenge we face every day.
These readings are a mixed bag of “who is worthy?” judgment visions, intro and salutation of John’s letter to the seven churches in Asia, and the Sadducees question about the resurrection. However, it is Psalm 25 that comes closest to working out a life with potential for “shine.” The psalmist is praying for guidance, deliverance, and forgiveness—trusting and hoping in God’s steadfast love.
We have the choice multiple times a day to whine about our life and the unfairness of it all or seek God’s healing and steadfast love. If we seek God, we have only to say, “God, I am ready to hear you, …I want to be in communion with you, …I want to shine your love into the world.” Which do you choose to do—whine or shine?
Psalms 26, 28 & 36, 39
Amos 7:10-17 Rev. 1:9-16 Matt. 22:34-46
The passages for today seem extremely relevant to me as a new college student. I have much to anticipate in my college life, and I am especially reminded of this during the season of waiting with anticipation for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Since leaving home almost two months ago, I have been tested physically, emotionally, intellectually, and in many other ways. I have had to fend for myself among 1650 other first-year students, and I am doing my best to meet new people, find good friends, have fun, and focus on my studies. I have learned how necessary it is to “love your neighbor as yourself” in order to learn about other people.
Today’s psalms remind me to trust in God and know that everything happens for a reason. Each day, I give thanks to God that I have wonderful roommates and am doing well in my classes Being on my own for the first time, I have come to appreciate God’s unfailing love. Although I enjoy my studies, I have not yet found my calling, nor do I have an idea of what I will major in, but I have faith that the Lord will guide me to the right choice. After reading these passages and reflecting on the beginning of my college experience, I realize how pleased and blessed I am with my transition. I also realize how much more about myself I have to learn, but, with God’s help, I am ready and willing to take on the challenge.
Psalms 38 & 119:25-48
Amos 8:1-14 Rev. 1:17––2:7 Matt. 23:1-12
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; I shall keep it with all my heart.
You may remember the advertising campaign from the 1980s featuring an old lady who, upon lifting a huge bun and discovering a very small hamburger patty inside, demands “Where's the beef?” I thought of that commercial as I contemplated the rich images contained in today's Scriptures: Amos prophesizes against an Israel that has grown prosperous and secure, but treats callously its poor. The church at Ephesus is warned in Revelations that it has “abandoned the love you had at first” and must repent, even as it is commended for its works. And the Gospel contains Jesus' familiar admonition to his disciples to observe the teachings of the Pharisees but eschew their displays of piety, for “they preach, but do not practice.” “Where's the beef?” asks the Lord in each situation, demanding a way of living that is truly consistent with the Word (the beef), beyond outward displays and good works (the huge bun). What does this mean in your life? Does Christ's call to be humbled as we live in relationship to one another provide a possible answer... as well as challenges?
Psalms 37:1-18 & 37:19-42
Amos 9:1-10 Rev. 2:8-17 Matt. 23:13-26
There are many beautiful exteriors with rotten interiors. The church may be magnificent outside, but may not be doing God's work inside of it. As much as I admire the beauty of the churches, the splendor of the music, and the rhythm of the liturgy, I must listen for the message and the truth of that message.
These passages bring thoughts to me about our relationship to God. Here Christ condemns the Pharisees for prizing control of the church, and forgetting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This is a reminder to me to place faith in the Lord only, not in those that claim to control access to him. This also reminds me not to be fooled by the appearance of faith alone, but to look to the substance of those that profess the faith. Appearances can be false, and lead me to wrong conclusions. Have faith, and place my trust in God, not those that substitute an understanding of the law for living a righteous life.
Psalms 31 & 35
Haggai 1:1-15 Rev. 2:18-29 Matt. 23:27-39
Jesus Christ is our road map and we need no other road to salvation. All we need is to follow Him one day at a time and never allow our spirituality to become fallow. Jesus is the way and the life. For with Him nothing is impossible.
Therefore, during this period, we can refocus. We have four weeks and as many Sundays to strengthen our relations with Jesus. We pray and give thanks for our talents, time, and treasures, and sing as Mary did; on the road we can sing, “I need the every hour, most Gracious Lord.”
We can rededicate and continue to make room for Christ in our lives by repenting for our sins. On the road with Jesus, we accept teachings from the Scriptures together with the four gospels of St. Luke, and rejoice, give thanks and sing, lament, and obey lesson from letters to the seven churches where people were exhorted to straighten up and fly right.
With Jesus as our road map, our destination is assured because along the way our spiritual maturity and relationship with God is fully developed and we crown Him Lord of all. He is our Lord and Savior.
Psalms 30, 32 & 42, 43
Haggai 2:1-9 Rev. 3:1-6 Matt. 24:1-14
In Haggai 2:1-9 and Matthew 24:1-14, I sensed a strong theme of future glory emerging from chaos, confusion, and destruction. In Matthew 24:14, the author speaks of the actual destruction of the temple as well as calamities of great magnitude, i.e., wars, famine, and earthquakes. In Haggai, we are told that heaven and earth will be shaken. However, both readings reflect a victory over earthly tribulations. For example, Haggai 2:9 informs us, “Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former and in this place I will give peace says the Lord of Hosts.” And Matthew 14:12 assures “But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” Despite the prevalence of evil in whatever age we happen to live in and the struggle against our own personal demons, the end result will be magnificent triumph through the power of our Creator. Advent is a time to be comforted by Christ’s present and future coming in glory to purify us and the earth that we inhabit.
Week of 3 Advent
Psalms 63:1-8(9-11), 98 & 103
Amos 9:11-15 2 Thess. 2:1-3, 13-17 John 5:30-47
Let the floods clap their hands, let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and his people with equity. Romans 2:4
As I read the words of the psalmist, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I am really happy about the coming of the Lord. But once the judging part starts, there are a few things that I sure would like God to overlook. After all, I am very much a work in progress. In fact, if I were a construction project, I would have to say that I am still in the surveyor’s stage. Still trying to get the lay of the land. Trying to figure out the damage and where I should start excavating. So considering the fact that I am nearing retirement age, I better get moving if I want to be ready for the coming of the Lord! I should hire a bigger crew! Let’s authorize some overtime, here! And why stop there? I better get some heavy equipment in fast!! Perhaps some round-the-clock prayer and confession? Do you think that would do the trick?
Yet, if I am really listening, if I am really pay attention to what our Savior teaches us, I am powerless. For as Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own.” John 5:30. And what do I accomplish anyway by taking my salvation into my own hands? Isn’t that like what Adam and Eve did when they tried to improve upon paradise? Besides, Jesus has already done what needs to be done. I need only believe that it is so. So as difficult as it is for me, I must let go of my need to control. I must place my life, my trust, and my all in God’s hands, where they belong. And for that too, I need God’s help. For glory comes not from human effort, but from the one who alone is God. John 5:44.
Psalms 41, 52 & 44
Zech. 1:7-17 Rev. 3:7-13 Matt. 24:15-31
For just as lightning comes from the east and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:27)
Brk, brk, brrrk! I am a total chicken when it comes to lightning. The very second I see a flash; I immediately duck for the covers. So as I read today’s Matthew passage, such a description of Jesus’ return as lightning left me with uneasy feelings. Such lightning analogies should be reserved for Lent. After all, Advent Scripture readings, hymns, and sermons reflect upon the Light of Christ (not lightning) coming into the world in human form. Advent is the season and Jesus is the reason for us to first wait, then to celebrate His birth.
However upon further reflection on this passage, our spiritual focus should not only be in wait mode to celebrate Jesus’ first appearance to save us, but to also recognize the Advent season as a time to prepare for Jesus’ next appearance, when He will return to judge us. In our spiritual life journey, every day (even if we have to start over daily) is an opportunity for us to prepare ourselves for Jesus’ second coming. At a minimum, our preparations should involve loving the Light, loving the Light that dwells in others, and loving the Light that dwells within each of us. For me, I pray that when the time comes such preparations will enable me to be welcoming to Lightning, rather than to be ducking for the covers!
Psalms 45 & 47, 48
Zech. 2:1-13 Rev. 3:14-22 Matt. 24:32-44
Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (Matthew 3:42-44)
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a crystal ball that would give us daily forecasts about when Jesus would come again? We are not given that to live by, but what we are given in this passage is a call to be ready, to always be prepared for the coming of the Lord.
This verse reminds me of the parable of the ten virgins with the oil lamps. The five prudent virgins who came with extra oil were prepared when the bridegroom (Jesus) came to get them. The five who were not prepared were shut out of the banquet.
Matthew tells us that there will be signs as it gets close to the coming of Jesus. I’m not sure I want to leave the recognition of those signs to my own interpretation. The beauty of the Scripture is showing us how we can be prepared and how we don’t have to worry about knowing the signs.
Revelation 3:20 gives us an invitation to prudent preparation: Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.
What a wonderful and exciting invitation from Jesus to enter into relationship with Him now! If we accept this invitation to have a relationship with Jesus, then our hearts and minds will be so attuned to Jesus that when He comes we will be ready like the five prudent virgins.
So don’t leave Jesus standing outside your door. Open that door and welcome Him in to get to know you and you Him.
Psalms 119:49-72 & 49, [53]
Zech. 3:1-10 Rev. 4:1-8 Matt. 24:45-51
Today’ readings reveal that God anticipated our need for redemption and sent us a Savior. It was a gift carefully planned down to the last detail. The psalmist joyfully speaks of the life-giving promises of God’s word and the comfort and salvation we find there. Jesus is God’s word made flesh and sent so that the world might be saved through him. (John 1:1, 3:17)
In Zechariah the Lord promises to send His servant and to remove the sin of Israel in a single day. Today, as in Zechariah’s time, God’s people do not always do His will or place their trust in Him. Knowing that we are lost and unable to find our way, He responds not by condemning us, but reconciling us to Him through the gift of eternal life. Jesus came, paid the price for our sin, and saved us. “Shout and be glad, O daughter of Zion, for I am coming, and I will live among you.” (Zechariah 2:10) What a compassionate and loving God we have!
Although the gift is unconditional, it comes with instructions. Matthew’s parable shows that God is gracious and compassionate, but He requires something of us. We must prepare ourselves for God’s coming. The prophet Micah reminds us what the Lord requires of us while we await his coming—to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) This request is small compared with what He has done and continues to do for each one of us.
Lastly, we see in Revelation a glimpse of the glory to come when we are at last reunited with God, when we will take our proper place as God’s children and be fully restored to our Creator; the promise of that long-ago gift fully realized.
Advent is the season of love, joy, hope, and peace. As we celebrate, let us remember the past and prepare for our Lord’s second coming.
Thursday, December 18
Psalms 50 & [59, 60] or 33
Zech. 4:1-14 Rev. 4:9––5:5 Matt. 25:1-13
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five were foolish and five were prudent. (Matthew 25)
Advent tells us Christ is near; Christmas tells us Christ is here; in Epiphany we sing all the glories of our King. We all were blessed from birth with talent bestowed on us from God, and as we grew we developed the ability to use our knowledge effectively in the execution and performance of our duties. In the world around us there are many who use their talents for the good of mankind, and others who waste their God-given abilities.
As we journey through Advent awaiting the coming of Christ, let us center our thoughts on the presence of God within and around us. Experience the true joy that nothing can disturb, and discover untapped talents and put them to use.
I continue to ask God’s guidance along my way. Trusting in God means that I believe in the positive outcomes that I will discover on my path. We serve God by serving others.
Psalms 40, 54 & 51
Zech. 7:8––8:8 Rev. 5:6-14 Matt. 25:14-30
I waited patiently for the LORD……..He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. (Psalm 40)
How challenging it is, God, for me to wait! It’s one thing to wait in line at the grocery store, or at the MVA for my driver’s license…those require patience, but, I know that in those places, sooner or later, I’ll get what I came for. Today I’m waiting to see if our children’s school is deemed safe after some threats were issued. If a tendency toward impatience is bolstered by fear, waiting can become increasingly difficult.
The psalmist says, “Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” It reminds me that we can fear and trust in you. You promise your presence…and that your presence will be enough. The more often I trust and then make it through a time of testing, the deeper my faith grows in your love and care for me.
While I wait for the safe return home of Tina and Nick, your children entrusted to our care, I will sing a new song I hadn’t planned on earlier today—a song of gratitude for their presence and yours in my life…
Psalms 55 & 138, 139:1-17(18-23)
Zech. 8:9-17 Rev. 6:1-17 Matt. 25:31-46
These readings remind me of a bumper sticker I have seen: “If you want peace, work for justice.”
When Jesus said that whatever was done for the poor and sick was also done for him, has a similar ring to it. If we want the peace of Jesus, we must work to make a more equitable world for the poor and disadvantaged everywhere. If we are all God’s beloved, shouldn’t we share in the resources he has provided for us?
I struggle with how to do this—is it by writing checks, donating clothes, handing a dollar to a homeless person? Or am I called to devote my life (and career) to working with people who are hungry, homeless or sick? How do I justify having so much more than so many? How can I find a balance between having the lifestyle I want, and have become accustomed to, with the knowledge that it is unfair for me to have so much when over half the world lives on less than $2 a day?
The readings are challenging me. They make me question my lifestyle, and the culture in which we live. I am praying for guidance.
Week of 4 Advent
Psalms 24, 29 & 8, 84
Gen. 3:8-15 Rev. 12:1-10 John 3:16-21
These readings address the origins of our sinfulness and the redemptive power of Christ. The lesson from Genesis recounts God discovering Adam and Eve in the garden after they had eaten the forbidden fruit because the serpent deceived them. For me, this is the basis for all sinfulness—I am tricked and deceived into sinfulness every day by the same evil power that deceived Adam and Eve, in part because of my confidence that I am right and in part because of my fear to fully trust in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The reading from the Book of Revelations recounts Michael and his angels defeating Satan, throwing him out of heaven. “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come….” This passage reveals that the power of Satan can be overcome—it is a battle now and will always be for me, but it is a battle that I can win if I continue to be faithful. I must not be afraid to do the things that I know I should do, rather than do the easy things that I want to do.
The third reading is my favorite reading in all of the Bible: “For God so loved the world that God gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” So, Jesus is my example—if I try to do the things that are pleasing in his sight, no matter how difficult for me, then I do believe that I shall not perish, but have eternal life as promised by God. God offers redemption and forgiveness. This passage goes on to say, “For he who does what is true comes to the light….” My prayer is that I have the will to do the things that are right, no matter how difficult and no matter how contrary to my own desires.
Psalms 61, 62 & 112, 115
Zeph. 3:14-20 Titus 1:1-16 Luke 1:1-25
Advent is a season of excitement and preparation for the anticipated arrival of baby Jesus and the marking of a new church calendar year. It is also a time for planning as we ready our lives by clearing out the clutter and making room in our hearts for the bounty of blessings that the Lord will continue to bestow on us. Yet if the Lord lives in us, why are we so busy preparing for His coming? Is it because as He sits patiently in the living room of our hearts we pass Him while taking care of our other priorities without so much as poking our heads in for a few seconds to say hello? If I were a guest in his house would I stand to be ignored? As I pondered these questions I realized that it was time to check up on my own situation. What would the Lord find if he went through each room in my heart?
- A To Do list so long that any attempt to prioritize would be futile
- A Not-To-Do list with nothing on it
- An untouched copy of Hybels and Neff’s Too Busy Not to Pray!
- Some missed good Samaritan opportunities
- A closet filled with good intentions waiting patiently to be worn
- etc., etc.
Yet amid all that self-created chaos, I know there is divine order at work in my life. There have been countless times when I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel and through prayer asked for a quiet answer to my situation. The outcome was not always what I expected, but it was always what He knew was best for me at that moment. He is in control of my life and will help me navigate rough waters. He will remove all things that are not his from my way, and He will be in my heart, waiting and ready, always.
“Lord, thank you for keeping your hands on me. For all the times I tried so hard to be free from your touch, yet you loved me so much that you wouldn’t let go—I thank you! Amen.
Psalms 66, 67 & 116, 117
1 Samuel 2:1b-10 Titus 2:1-10 Luke 1:26-38
The parts of the readings for today that most speak to me are the examples of incredible faith in the Lord. For me, this is most captured in the lines from the song of Hannah, “the Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts.” I don't think this is intended as an easy way out for people who are not enjoying the success they might expect or wish to see, but I do think it is a powerful reminder to many that it is not just their talents and hard work that are behind their success. Certainly this would seem to be a nice quote for one of those omnipresent, motivational posters, because it certainly would be a very effective reminder that it's not all about us. Mary understood this well when she said the Gabriel, “…let it be with me according to your word.” I used to think that the church liturgy was overly repetitive by stressing the same message every year. Now I think I know better; we, or at least I, really need to hear it again and again.
Psalms 45, 46 & 89:1-29
Baruch 4:36––5:9 Gal. 3:23––4:7 Matt. 1:18-25
Isa. 59:15b-21 Phil. 2:5-11
This year I studied the history and meaning of Anglicanism with other parishioners in a course on the Anglican Vision. In addition to overcoming my fear of praying out loud in front of a group, this course helped me to see that I became an Episcopalian for the right reasons, primarily because this Church allows me to have a mind of my own—as it stands for a faith based on Scripture, reason, and tradition.
I also met twice a month with another group of parishioners, a wonderfully diverse group of people, and we had a dialogue on race. We discussed our differences and celebrated our similarities. I came to better understand them, and hopefully, they came to better understand me.
As I read the Scriptures for today, I hoped to find inspiration to give further meaning and depth to the experiences I had with these groups. I learned that Psalm 46 inspired Luther's A Mighty Fortress. It is one of my favorite hymns, and it is easy to see how Luther was inspired by that Psalm. “God is our refuge and our stronghold, a timely help in trouble” is calming and reassuring poetry. I rely on its message when worried or afraid. In the study of Anglicanism, we relied on that message as we explored the current issues being debated within the Anglican Communion and concluded that in time, with God's help, the issues will be resolved.
In his Letter to the Galatians (3:26-28), Paul says, “It is through faith that you are all sons of God in union with Jesus Christ. Baptized into union with him, you have all put on Christ like a garment. There is no such thing as Jew and Greek, slave and freeman, male and female; for you are all one person in Jesus Christ.” To me this passage means that, when it really matters, we are more alike than we are different, and our celebration of the alikeness in our dialogue on race was confirmation that this alikeness is the important element, not the differences.
Psalms 72 & 111, 113
2 Samuel 7:1-17 Titus 2:11––3:8a Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56)
For the grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all mankind. (Titus 3:1)
God, we seem to need a new dawn. Scripture speaks of your desire and your attempts to connect with us and set us on the path toward peace and fulfillment. Why is this healing so elusive? Why do we struggle so, as individuals, as communities, and as nations?
Perhaps this promised healing is really there for each and every one of us. Perhaps I can only find my own, and others must, through your grace, find theirs. If so, how can I, how can we, be healed?
I find this healing power when I spend time with you in prayer and reflection, but I rarely make time for my own healing. Help me to make time to be healed. Help me to hear your healing voice, your Holy Spirit. Help me today.
Psalms 80 & 146, 147
2 Samuel 7:18-29 Gal. 3:1-14 Luke 1:57-66
Relationships! Relationships! Relationships! These Scriptures show us four people who are in deep relationship with the Lord: David, Paul, Elisabeth and Zacharias. God speaks and they hear (by faith). God hears and shows just how deeply he cares for/loves their relationship. David's house is blessed for generations. After many years of being barren, Elisabeth conceives and bears the forerunner to the Christ!
I believe that our sole purpose for being on this planet earth is to develop deeper relationships with ourselves, others, and God. I believe that we are in practice for when we see the face of God. I believe in God's mercy but I also believe relationships have the power to take us to heaven or drive us to hell. I am talking about relationships with parents, siblings (with Barbara and Fay, help me Lord), co-workers, church members and nonchurch members, Blacks, Whites, Browns, Reds, and Yellows. For how can we love the One that we do not see if we cannot love the ones that we see daily?
Today we have a small group of Blacks and Whites at Grace that are working to communicate/to be in relationship. My prayer is that we weather the difficulties that arise, that we do not allow anything to drive us apart, that we become a living witness of our relationship with God and God's loving relationship with us.
Psalms 93, 96 & 148, 150
Baruch 4:21-29 Gal. 3:15-22 Luke 1:67-80 or Matt. 1:1-17
Equations
Jesus Christ = Love + (0 x Fear)
Sin = Fear + (0 x Love)
God = [Not Yet Solved]