Posted on 11/29/2008 10:55:57 PM PST by Salvation
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Week 1: First Sunday of Advent Prayer for the Advent Wreath Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people.
Waiting We light a candle today, a small dim light against a world that often seems forbidding and dark. But we light it because we are a people of hope, a people whose faith is marked by an expectation that we should always be ready for the coming of the Master. The joy and anticipation of this season is captured beautifully in the antiphons of hope from the monastic liturgies: See! The ruler of the earth shall come, the Lord who will take from us the heavy burden of our exile |
Thank you for posting this.
Bookmarked and appreciate your posting this. Thanks! Happy New Year!
You’re welcome, you’re welcome!
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Week 1: Monday Many peoples shall come and say: "Come, let us climb the Lords mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths." For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:3) Reflection Christ is the ultimate center of meaning in the universe. It is through Christ that all people will be led to the Father. How can we hope to achieve a world in which all will seek the path of God? Only when men and women are working to achieve the unity that Christs redemption promises us. Advent Action Perform an act of kindness for someone you do not know. Prayer Lord, help me be at home with You, that I may listen to Your word and walk in Your way. |
Hope renews itself in our hearts as we light the first Advent candle.
How do you get the candle graphic to flicker like a real candle - looks real.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for posting this, FRiend.
After digging through my Advent stuff, I had decided to settle with reading from 2 booklets each evening. And I was not happy with either or with the combination.
Now, I can use these reflections.
God bless you.
Just copied the graphic and it works.
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Week 1: Tuesday Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. (Isaiah 11:6) Reflection The old joke about this passage is that the leopard might light down with the kid, but the kid wont get much sleep. We chuckle at this because Isaiah gives us an image that goes against all our experience and expectations. Take note: the kingdom of God will not be how we expect it! Assumptions about natural friends and enemies are not true in the kingdom of God. What is the modern, urban equivalent of Isaiahs pastoral image of lamb and wolf? Black and white folks breaking bread and worshipping together? A teenage delinquent and an older person sharing a cup of coffee? "The wolf shall be a guest of the lamb " Advent Action Send a card to a friend or loved one who lost a family member during this year. Let them know you are praying from them and thinking of them this Christmas. Prayer Lord, help me welcome You once again and make room for You in my daily life, that You may make Your home in my heart. |
Thanks for posting a new devotion each day.
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Week 1: Wednesday Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. (Matthew 14: 19-20) Reflection During Advent we always consider the past, present, and future dimensions of Jesus coming. Jesus came to us at Bethlehem; He is risen and present in the world today; we look forward to His second coming. Advent Action Multiply your own resources (however great or small) to help the poor. Make a gift of your time or money to a charitable organization that helps the poor. Prayer Lord, may I be generous with others from the richness You have shared with me through Your goodness. |
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Week 1: Thursday A nation of firm purpose You keep in peace; in peace for its trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever! For the Lord is an eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26: 3-4) Reflection We cannot eliminate upsets and anxiety from our lives, but Advent is a good time to slow down and remember where we should look for stability and peace. Throughout these weeks of preparation for the celebration of Jesus birth, the Scriptures for our liturgies tell us again and again to turn to God, to build our house on the rock of Jesus. Only there we will find peace. Advent Action Make a phone call. Call someone you have been meaning to speak to, but for some reason you have not done so. Prayer Lord, may I truly bring peace to others that I may be at peace with myself and one with You. |
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Week 1: Friday And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed (Him), crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!" When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to Him. Then He touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. (Matthew 9:27-30) Reflection Many people scoff at the idea of miracles. Unwilling to believe that Jesus could restore the sight of the blind when He walked on earth, they are unwilling to see the miracles that Jesus continues to work today. If we are open to the guiding touch of Gods hand and willing to discover His plan for our lives, miracles will happen. What prevents us from seeing and being a part of Gods miracles? Would we rather be blind? Advent Action Send a get-well card to someone in the hospital. Lord, clarify my vision that I may see You in others and sense You within my own soul. |
Prayers offered up for our fellow citizens who have lost jobs and are facing hard times. May they find peace in this Advent season.
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