Advent Faith in an Anxious World

By Rev. Lee Anderson

As we celebrate Advent, there is a shadow over these holy and festive days. Recent terror attacks have left many feeling mournful, angry, and frightened. Further, the responses out of fear and prejudice, heard around the media, deepen that shadow. Click here to read an article with a different perspective, written by Ben Lindwall, Executive Director of John Philip Newell's organization, Heartbeat.  Ben shares a loving and faith-filled response to what is going on in our world, and this response is good not only for the world, but for our own individual well-being and growth as well.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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