Advent Meditations: Sunday December 9
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Sun Dec 9 |
am: 85, 148,149,150 pm: 114, 115 |
Malachi 3:1-4 | Philippians 1:3-11 | Luke 3:1-6 |
Second Sunday of Advent: In today’s lessons taken from the Principal Eucharist for the It would be difficult to listen to the lessons today and not get a sense that there is a clear call to be about readiness that should have our full attention. Clearly it is not about the urgency of less of only 14 more shopping days until Christmas.
Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with pre-Christmas preparations. But the voice of the prophets we hear in Malachi, Isaiah and John is about priorities of life that have both a present and future impact. That refining fire burns in two ways. One is it makes us stronger, while the other is it can burn right through us if we fail to take time for quiet reflection, prayer and conversion of heart as oft times the result is that we are physically, emotionally and spiritually spent by the time Christmas arrives.
It is that very discipline of being refined like gold in the fire, the waiting patiently rather than being consumed by it all that will allow the word from the Epistle bear fruit so that :our love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help us determine what is best” You would think that people of faith and good will would have a handle on that but we in the faith must show a
balance between the spiritual and the secular as we move through Advent integrating spiritual renewal with humility and compassion that can carry into the New Year showing all that this faith , hope and charity we have been given through the Incarnate Christ is not seasonal for us but constant.
PRAYER: Grant to us almighty God, the resolve to make ready well and wisely for your Son Jesus Christ with due reverence, quiet minds holy hearts and righteous deeds so that, we may be worthy to share in the heavenly kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.. Amen
Spiritual DISCIPLINE: The Voice of the Martyrs I seeking to reach out to our brother and sisters this Christmas with a care package . Along with toys, school supplies and toiletries, each backpack contains an illustrated children’s Bible and other Christian literature. The packs will be distributed throughout the 68 hostile and restricted countries where VOM works. Go https://www.christmascare.com/?_source_code=WEBB1812 to assist these brothers and sisters in becoming what seek to be!
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “Hope is trust that God will fulfill God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom.” ~ Henri J.M Nouwen.” Priest, Theologian,
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