Come soon
Thursday, December 5, 2013
First Week of Advent
Psalm 118:26
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
In his News-Gazette column last week Don Follis called Advent a season of longing, waiting, patience and hope. Jesus brought God’s peace, justice and love into the world. Christians believe the Messiah will come again. We wait for him.
Mary longed for the day Jesus would be born. We remind ourselves of her great desire. We have all been desperate with longings. We need God to show up and show off. We cry out for him to heal and provide and bring us freedom within and without. Come, Lord Jesus!
Now as the days funnel down into darkness, I grow tired early. I grow faint, and struggle to remember what I’m waiting for. But I hear the Advent bells and light the candles and in my prayers I recollect how beautiful patience can be, how the hope from God carries with it great great joy.
Wait for it. Blessed is he who has come in the name of the Lord. And now he comes again. Be still and wait for the coming of Jesus.
We give thanks to you, Lord, not because of what we are given but because you are good. Your mercy endures forever, past all our experience of time. I know you love me when I call out to you, not because my situation changes but because you NEVER leave me or forsake me. I am not alone and will never be. Your mercy endures forever.
Today’s readings: Click on today’s date at http://www.usccb.org/bible/
Don’s article includes four wonderful spiritual practices for the season. You can read it at http://www.news-gazette.com/living/2013-12-01/don-follis-practice-choosing-god-counting-others-better-yourself.html
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1201
