Monday, December 2, 2024

 


Light our Advent Candles to bring Christ’s light into the world.

As we enter Advent this season, let us remember it is time to prepare for the Greatest gift we shall ever receive, Jesus Christ, Himself.  In our own lives, we spend time preparing for Christmas: gifts, food, who will be with us to celebrate? The scriptures for today deal with the preparation of our hearts to know the power of the word and be convicted through the Holy Spirit that we may be imitators and models of Christ’s love in our world.   Let us take time in our lives to prepare for the Christ child. What does he want our world to look like as he has come into the world?  How can we prepare the way for Jesus in our world?

Looking at Isaiah 4:2-6, God reaffirms that we will be called holy after our sins are washed away.  To be holy is live as God intended us from the very beginning.   In verse 5, Isaiah describes the Lord protecting his people just like they were led out of Egypt with a fiery pillar.  God is saying to his people that he will provide a canopy of protection surrounding them with smoke and fire.   I am reminded of gathering around a campfire at night when I feel the comfort of the fire and smoke to stay warm and to keep the bugs away.  God is our shelter and shade and our refuge and hiding place as we walk through life.  Let us trust that he will lead us as we become holy in his sight. 

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is one of my favourites.  “We always thank God for all of you and mention you in our prayers” it is a good reflection of how I feel about our church family.  Each day we go about our work and routines and then gather on Sunday to worship and reconnect to each other in our faith.  God has chosen us to be live according to his will and be models for others.    In this Advent how is God calling you to respond to the power of his Holy Spirit working in you?

Matthew’s gospel always challenges me, trust in the Lord.  The centurion is used to following orders.  If he was a Palestinian Centurion working under the orders of the Romans, he certainly would have witnessed how commands were carried out as others relied on his loyalty.  As we approach this Christmas, what is the word God has planted in your heart to do his will?  Be like the centurion who trusted that what was said would be done.   

Ever-present Lord, You constantly come to us at an unexpected hour to pour forth Your grace and mercy into our lives. Help us to form within us a permanent habit of preparedness by which we continually open ourselves to You and to Your perfect will for our lives. May this Advent be a true time in which our readiness to meet You increases a hundredfold. Jesus, we trust in You.

by Greg Young

As you listen to "The Goodness of God" by Don Moen, reflect on all the gifts God has given you.  

 

 
"The Goodness of God"  Don Moen


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