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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