I'll get back to posting my family stories here shortly, perhaps later today if time permits. Right now I feel compelled to share this.
The Pastor of the church we attend decided this year to send out email Meditations for Advent. I have found that finding these in my inbox first thing in the morning have provided some calm in the hustle and bustle of the season. Also it is a gentle reminder of what Christmas is really about. Whether or not you're a believer in anything please take a moment to read and contemplate. Thank you.
Collect (prayer) of the Day
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Short Reading
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
From Fr. T
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Short Reading
In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
From Fr. T
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. On one hand, how is that even possible? After all, Christ's coming has nothing to do with us. He came the first time without our permission. He likely won't wait for us before he comes the second time.
On the other hand, Jesus teaches us to "stay alert" at all times for his coming. (Mark 13:35) Yes, this means that his second coming might happen any time. But it also means that he might show up in our life in new ways at any moment.
During Advent, we are called to pay particular attention to his command to stay alert. So, how will you stay alert for Christ today? I suggest beginning with prayer. Take a moment to ask the Lord to keep you on the alert for his presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today so that you may be prepared for whatever God might do today. And then watch. Notice if the Lord points out something today. Perhaps you hear him in a brief conversation, see him in an event, notice him in an unusual place. If you don't notice him, that's OK. Your task is to stay alert, he will do the rest.
On the other hand, Jesus teaches us to "stay alert" at all times for his coming. (Mark 13:35) Yes, this means that his second coming might happen any time. But it also means that he might show up in our life in new ways at any moment.
During Advent, we are called to pay particular attention to his command to stay alert. So, how will you stay alert for Christ today? I suggest beginning with prayer. Take a moment to ask the Lord to keep you on the alert for his presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today so that you may be prepared for whatever God might do today. And then watch. Notice if the Lord points out something today. Perhaps you hear him in a brief conversation, see him in an event, notice him in an unusual place. If you don't notice him, that's OK. Your task is to stay alert, he will do the rest.
1 comment:
Waiting for Christ... such a beautiful message.... I love Advent.
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