[Salvation]

	Week 3: Tuesday   For then I will change and purify the lips of the people, that they all may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord. (Zephaniah 3:9) Reflection Zephaniah’s prophetic dream of unity seems no closer to reality today than when it was 2500 years ago. Even though our world enjoys many modern technological advantages over the world of Zephaniah, it seems that there is not technological "fix" for the human heart. "Change" and "pure lips" require personal conversion. What have I done to promote "one accord" in the world? No matter how we might view ourselves, all people are equal in the sight of God. We are all His servants. Advent Action Examine your conscience. Are you continually turning towards God? Prayer Lord, purify me of everything, whether present or past, that hinders me from serving You.

[Salvation]

	December 20 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,  to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  [Luke 1:27 -31] Reflection What should Christians look like to the world in which we live? How could other people know by our words and actions that we are followers of Christ? What should make us distinctive and stand out from non-Christians? How can we be the light of the world and the salt of the earth as our Lord says we should be? Advent Action If we are to teach by example, make plans to teach someone  during the Holiday season. A child or friend could learn by your actions. Prayer Lord, clarify my vision that I may see You in others and sense You within my own soul.

[Salvation]

Week 3: Wednesday Turn to Me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other! (Isaiah 45:22) Reflection We need to be reminded, just like the Israelite people in the desert who built a golden calf, that it is God who is God, not the idols we create. It seems that times are more subtle now. People melting down their jewelry to fashion an idol in a public place is not a common sight in our day. But we do, as a people, flock to certain places and events as if they were important: television sets, soap operas, celebrities. Do I live my day-to-day life as if a supernatural being is my God? Or do I live as if some earthly pleasure or diversion is? Where is my energy expended? Where is my time spent? Where do I turn? Advent Action Think of some possession you have that you can give away to the poor. Give to the Catholic Relief Fund or to some other charity. Prayer Lord, help me turn to You and let nothing take me from You, for You alone are my God.