Advent 23rd December

At this time a man named Simeon was living in Jerusalem. Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. God’s Spirit came to him and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to do what the Law of Moses says should be done for a new baby, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, “Lord, I am your servant,  and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, and foreign nations will also see this. Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honour to your people Israel.”  Luke 2:25-32

Readings:

Psalm 139

Luke 2:25-32
Nunc Dimittis

Reflection

Do we long to encounter Jesus the way Simeon longed to encounter Jesus? It had been revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the consolation of Israel. Jesus was the One who would take away Israel’s sorrow and set the people free! Finally, word came of a child born in a cattle stall. The long-expected Christ? Simeon had been waiting so very long for this moment! Once he finally held Jesus in his arms, he was literally content to depart in peace. Meaning in life had been fulfilled. What about us? Compared to Simeon, is our desire for Jesus as real.  When we have our quiet times, do we find ourselves literally sauntering into the presence of Christ. Sometimes do we have trouble staying focused! Do you think Simeon had trouble staying focused when he encountered Christ? I don’t think so! Jesus is our consolation…He is our comforter…He is the One who can take away all our sorrow! This Advent, let us rejoice that the One whose glories knew no end would leave those glories and be born in a manger in order to rescue a people for Himself, a people who are sometimes way to casual about their relationship with God  - may our lives and hearts be stirred like Simeon’s.

  

Prayers 

Lord, give me a heart that never forgets your love; to remain in your love whatever I do, whether I am asleep or awake, whether I work or rest. 

May the flame of your eternal love never be quenched in my heart; let it grow and brighten, till my whole soul is  glowing and shining with its light and warmth.

Amen

Advent 22nd December

Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will pass away with a dreadful noise, the elements will be consumed by fire, and the earth and all the works done on it will be exposed. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be? You must live holy and godly lives,  waiting for and hastening the coming day of God. Because of that day, the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Preparing for Christ’s coming in judgment  Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. 2 Peter 3:8-14

Readings

Malachi 3:1-4,
John 1:11-17,
2 Peter 3:8-14

Reflection

Advent is a time of anticipation. We look forward to Christmas with the beauty of winter, family gatherings and a break from the every day.  Though we remember that for various reasons, many do not   have these positive images of the Christmas season.  Yet one thing that brings hope is that this season calls us to a higher sense of being and  purpose. No matter what  our images  of Christmas, together we can look forward to a renewal of God's message to us: Jesus. This passage in 2 Peter talks about looking forward to renewal with a sense of anticipation. As the reader, we are met with images of anticipation for the carrying out of God’s promises in a world where the believers were still extremely persecuted. The author reminds the early Christians that God is not forgetful; rather, God is merciful. What an encouragement!

Prayer

Light of light, Lord of Lords and King of Kings
In excitement we approach the dawn.
Re-awaken in us the Spirit of grace and mercy that
we may receive you once again.
Bring peace to those who are in distress,
peace where there is hatred.

In your saving name Amen

Advent 21st December

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:18-21

Readings

2 Samuel 7:1-14,
Hosea 11
Matthew 1:18-24

Reflection

Can you imagine the thoughts that must have gone through Joseph and Mary’s minds in  all that was taking place before them? Mary had at first been greatly troubled by the news from the angel Gabriel and asked, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:26-35). Joseph thought of putting her away secretly (Matt. 1:19) for Mary was engaged to him, yet was with child. That was truly a shock. How would you have responded? Obedience or denial? Acceptance or refusal? Yet like Mary and Joseph perhaps we may also ponder – “What child is this, why was this Babe, the Son of Mary born in a lowly stable?” Let us bring forth our incense, gold, and myrrh (prayers, possessions, praises) and lay them before the feet of Jesus just as those kings came and worshipped Him. May we be worshippers of Immanuel as we gather during this Advent season both in our individual homes and as a corporate body, for we are the church of the living God. As Joseph and Mary obeyed the words of the angel may we be obedient to the call of God in our lives. Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary. Is Christ born in you? “

Prayer

Lord, forgive me when I doubt your voice. 

Forgive me for the moments when I allow the world to speak so loudly that I cannot hear the tenderness of your whisper. 

Help me to be attentive to your voice, your word, your calling upon my life that I too may respond like Mary Joseph and be obedient.

Amen

Advent 20th December

"The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people.  It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world. At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behaviour, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions".Titus 2: 11-14

Readings

 

Psalm 46, 
Isaiah 60:1-3

Titus 2:11-14

Reflection

 

We don’t have long to go and the countdown is on.  In the silence of the night where do your thoughts go?  When all is quiet and you hear the ticking of the clock, the creaking of the house, who and what do you think of?

Can the silent night be a holy one?  We have a few days left and it will be busy. So in the last week... be still and listen. Quiet us, Lord, that we might be able to hear, over the noise of our busy lives, beyond the clutter of our Christmas preparations;   Help us to become still, even for a moment, that we might hear the herald of your angel voices: "Glory!", "Peace on Earth", "Mercy", "Reconciliation", "Joy!" ...."Christ is born."  The message of the ages still rings out for those willing to listen. This is our desire. Open our ears that we might hear.

Today ... Now. 

Prayers

Thank you, Lord, for knowing me better than I know myself, and for letting me know myself better than others know me. 

Help me to grow in grace, faith and discipleship. Holy God I consider the things of my life that I keep hidden from others. 

Show me how I may lay down the obstacles of life that prevent me from drawing closer to you. Teach me your ways God. Amen