Saturday, December 28, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Saturday, December 28

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - Luke 2:13-14, John 14:27
 
Reflection:
As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, how is the Peace of God alive in your heart and mind?
 
 
 
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Friday, December 27, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Friday, December 27

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:6-7

Reflection:
Peace is a gift from God. How are you preparing yourself to truly accept this wonderful gift?



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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Thursday, December 26

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means, “God with us.”  When Joseph woke up,  he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus. - Matthew 1:18-25
 
Reflection:
How are you acting as a Peacemaker within your own family and community?
 
 
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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of the God-the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through him and for his name’s sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.  And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 1:1-17
 
Reflection:
During the Christmas season, what threatens your own capacity for Peace? Where is Peacemaking needed in your life?
 
 
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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.  Awaken your might; come and save us.  Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.  O Lord God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?  You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.  You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.  Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.  Your brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.  You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.  The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.  Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of may you have raised up for yourself.  Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call your name.  Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make us your face shine upon us, that we might be saved. - Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
 
Reflection:
What blessings of Peace do you pray that others will receive during Advent?
 
 
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Monday, December 23, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Monday, December 23

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Daily Scripture:
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”  But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”  Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David!  Is it not enough to try the patience of men?  Will you try the patience of my God also?  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.  But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. - Isaiah 7:10-16

Reflection:
What are the blessings of Peace within your life this Christmas season?



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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Sunday, December 22

Theme of Fourth Week of Advent: Peace

Reflection:
What is a time during a past Christmas season when you have truly felt at Peace?



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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Saturday, December 21

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Reflection:
What does Joy look like in a church?



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Friday, December 20, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Friday, December 20

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.   Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”  As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see?  A reed swayed by the wind?  If not, what did you go out to see?  A man dressed in fine clothes?  No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.  Then what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”  I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  - Matthew 11:2-11

Reflection:
What steps are you taking to allow God to create Joy in your life?




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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Thursday, December 19

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.  The Judge is standing at the door!  Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” - James 5:7-10

Reflection:
Who in your life radiates Joy despite difficult circumstances?



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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Wednesday, December 18

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.  His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful. - Luke 1:46-55
 
Reflection:
What is the difference between happiness and Joy?
 
 
 
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Tuesday, December 17

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the Lord, who remains faithful forever.  He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Loves the righteous.  The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.  The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.  Praise the Lord. - Psalm 146:5-10
 
Reflection:
What prevents you from experiencing Joy when you are struggling?
 
 
 
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Monday, December 16, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Monday, December 16

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.  Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.  The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.  Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”  Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.  The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.  In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.  And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.  The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.  No lion will be there nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there.  But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return.  They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. - Isaiah 35:1-10
 
Reflection:
What is the single most meaningful Christmas gift you have ever received? Why did it bring you Joy?
 
 
 
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Sunday, December 15, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Sunday, December 15

Theme of Third Week of Advent: Joy

Daily Scripture:
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.  Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.  The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.  Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”  Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.  The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.  In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.  And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.  The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.  No lion will be there nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there.  But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return.  They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. - Isaiah 35:1-10
 
Reflection:
Ponder a time when your life felt like a barren wilderness or desert. When and how did it transform into abundant blossoms, helping you to rejoice with Joy and singing?
 
 
 
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Saturday, December 14, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Saturday, December 14

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Reflection:
In the great hymn of Charles Wesley, we sing:

Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.

When is your heart most filled with love?



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Friday, December 13, 2013

President Thomas Jefferson visits Trinity's Transitionals Class


Last Sunday, President Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Rev. Jack vanEns) dropped by the Transitionals Sunday school class for an 18th century press conference to answer questions about the framing of the U.S. Constitution, what it says about separation of church and state, and how he interprets the concept of "limited government."
 
President Jefferson returns this coming Sunday (December 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room) for a debate of his Jefferson Bible. Jefferson created controversy by excising all references to the Christmas Story from the Gospels, as well as other "superstitions and fabrications" from the traditional hymn, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing."
 
All are welcome!

Reflections on Advent 2013: Friday, December 13

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Reflection:
Christmas is a time of love, peace and goodwill towards all people. How did you learn this lesson of love?


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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Thursday, December 12

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Daily Scripture:
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  This is he who was spoke of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”  John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.  His food was locusts and wild honey.  People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  But when he saw many of Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not think you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as sour father.”  I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.  “I baptize you with water for repentance.  But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”   - Matthew 3:1-12

Reflection:
God's love for us is the gift of Christmas. How do you focus on those aspects of the holiday which you feel are most important?



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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Wednesday, December 11

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Daily Scripture:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves s you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.  For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.”  Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”  And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.”  And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:4-13
 
Reflection:
The Christmas season can be a frantic and stressful time. How can we find time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and experiences, wonder, and love around us?
 
 
 
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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Tuesday, December 10

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Daily Scripture:
Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.  He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.  The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.  He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.  He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.  He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.  In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.  Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.  Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.  Amen and Amen. - Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
 
Reflection:
Newspaper columnist George Matthew Adams in an essay titled The Christmas Heart said, "The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts..." When have you witnessed the "healing medicine of love"?
 
 
 
 
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Monday, December 9, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Monday, December 9

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Daily Scripture:
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.  The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord-and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.  He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.  Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.  The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.  The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.  The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest.  They will neither harm nor destroy on my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of as the waters cover the sea.    In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.  - Isaiah 11:1-10

Reflection:
In John 4:10 we read, In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.  As we think about love, whey have you seen the love for one another make a difference in our world?



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Sunday, December 8, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Sunday, December 8

Theme of Second Week of Advent: Love

Reflection:
In a favorite carol, Christina Rossetti says:

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Where do you see the signs of love in the Christmas season?



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Saturday, December 7, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Saturday, December 7

Theme of First Week of Advent: Hope

Daily Scripture:

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. - Matthew 19:13-15

Reflection:
Children look forward to Christmas with high expectations. How do we find that same expectation this Christmas season?



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Friday, December 6, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Friday, December 6

Theme of First Week of Advent: Hope

Daily Scripture:

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." - Luke 1:5-25

Reflection:
Just as Elizabeth and Zechariah waited for the birth of a son, so sometimes we must wait for Hope to be fulfilled. What does your Hope look like and why do you wait for it?



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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Thursday, December 5

Theme of First Week of Advent: Hope

Daily Scripture:
No one knows about that day or hour, nor even the angels in heaven, or the Son, but only the Father.  As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of May.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.  That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.  Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and wound not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  - Matthew 24:36-44

Reflection:
Sometimes Hope requires a good deal of patience. How do you practice patience and still remain Hopeful?



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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Wednesday, December 4

Theme of First Week of Advent: Hope

Daily Scripture:
And do this, understanding the present time.  The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over, the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immodesty and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. - Romans 13:11-14

Reflection:
At our darkest moments, we need Hope the most. How do you find Hope in the dark?



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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Reflections on Advent 2013: Tuesday, December 3

Theme of First Week of Advent: Hope

Daily Scripture:
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”  Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.  Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.  That is where the tribes to up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel.  There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”  For the sake of my brothers and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. - Psalm 122

Reflection:
What does Hope mean to you?



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