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Meditations for Advent 2007
The star of Bethlehem guided the three wise men to the manger. We are still following the star to God's love. We bow on bended knee before the infant. The light of God's love awaits us. God sends his light so we can find our way out of the darkness and into his loving embrace.
The Bible says," For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21 (NRSV). God's love is everlasting. We can never be satisfied with things. When we seek God's presence daily, we will be blessed with his love, mercy and grace.
We are the body of Christ. God put us on this earth to love others and follow his teachings. God knows what is best. We need to trust his guidance. We need to follow God and spread his love to all.
God blesses us with so many gifts. The greatest gift was his love, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Jesus was sent to earth, to show us through example how to love others. Let the light of God's love shine through your words and actions. God's love is for everyone. Pass it on.
A Special Christmas Prayer
God of wonder and delight,
Warm us with your love.
Embrace us with your presence.Remind us that no matter who we are,
Or where we are on life's journey,
You welcome us.Fill us with comfort and joy,
That we might reflect the hope of the Christ Child.
Because all the earth cries out for peace with justice,
We pray for all the people!Amen
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
"Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy persons; and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in heaven."
Deuteronomy 10:22 (NRSV)God chose us to love. We are his children. Children often choose to follow a different path than their parents want them to take. We are no different. We follow our own ways and wonder why our life does not go as planned.
Meanwhile, God is waiting for us to choose him. We are being stubborn. What a waste. We could be living God's grace. The peace of God could be ours. All we need to do is walk into God's loving embrace. The love of God can fill and heal any heart that seeks it.
When we choose God, he will never turn away from us. We are chosen. We must choose to follow the star. It guides us to his love and mercy. We must make the first step towards God and he will meet us the rest of the way.
Dear Father in heaven,
Thank you for guiding us to your love and mercy. May we have the courage to walk into your loving embrace and seek your presence in our lives.
Amen
Monday, December 3, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Job 22:12-30
"Is not God high in the heavens? See the highest stars, how lofty they are!
Job 22:12 (NRSV)Three wise men of yore who studied the heavens - awed by the beauties of God's creation - the night skies, understood the portents of Jesus' coming. The wondrous star of Bethlehem led the way to where the child was born.
They saw His star in the East and came to worship Him. It was an authenticated happening from the mind of God. History shows that the star appeared. Such a thrilling occurrence calls us to follow the star.
Dear Father:
Help us to follow the star to the manger where love came down to earth.
Amen.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established, what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them!
Psalm 8:3 (NRSV)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Psalm 136:1-9
"…the moon and the stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever."
Psalm 136:9 (NRSV)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12
"When they saw that the star had stopped. They were overwhelmed with joy."
Matthew 2:10The Wise Men were on an important mission. They wanted to find the one who was born King of the Jews so that they might worship him and present their gifts. They were astronomers, and it was only natural that they could follow a star to reach their goal.
It would be wonderful if we had the goal of knowing Jesus and would allow nothing to stop us from reaching him. Even though we may not have a star to follow, there are plenty of signs all about us to help us reach that goal. We have only to look at the disaster that befalls those who seek a different King. We see it very clearly in the wasted lives of those who live only for gaining wealth, and in the lives of those who have no love for anyone other than themselves.
We learn a lot by reading the entire passage of Matthew 2:1-12. King Herod, king of the Jews, was anxious to kill the competitor for whom the Wise Men were searching. He carefully contrived a plot, telling the Wise Men that they should report the location of the child to him so that he also could go an worship him. There is a lesson here for us. As we try to reach our goal of making Jesus the center of our lives, many forces of evil will attempt to keep us from reaching our goal. Be careful!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1
"So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
2 Peter 1:19. (NRSV)Our Christian journey is about following the Word in faith, hope and love so that we are reading to enter our eternal home when the time comes. It is similar to the wise men's journey as they followed the star to be with the Christ child.
It doesn't matter the difficulty or the length of the journey as long as we love Christ and do his will.
Dear God, help us to be better servants and let your light shine in our hearts regardless of circumstances.
Amen.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:4-20
"In his right hand he held seven stars and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword and his face was like the sun shining with full force."
In his right hand, he held seven stars and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword and his face was like the sun shining with full force. Revelations 1:16
The sword in Jesus' mouth symbolizes the power and force of his message. His words of judgment are as sharp as swords. The Lord appeared in all his Glory and Might. Such power, such magnitude!
Our Advent meditation for today is Following the Star. The seven stars represent the seven churches in Asia. These churches faced persecution - socially, politically and economically. Some of the believers were even being killed because of their faith but the Seven bright shining Stars from Revelation may represent the brightness and loving kindness that our Lords shows us and wants us to share with others. The Stars shone bright then and they shine even brighter today. As we reflect on these Seven Stars, I invite each of us let out lights shine like these Seven Stars. We should always remember and reflect on the one Bright Shining Star that shone in the skies to announce the Blessed Birth of our Lord Jesus. As the Three Wisemen followed the Star so long ago, let us transform our lives and set our lives to follow the Star each and every day.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Theme: Treasures of Heaven
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-14
"The Lord will open for you his rich storehouse, the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season and to bless all your undertakings.
Deuteronomy 28:12. (NRSV)When you are young, you don't feel the need for anything, because you have your parents there to provide what you wish for.
However, as you get older and your parents bring you to Sunday School and church, you hear about God and all that he provides in your life. You realize that there is someone special, God, to provide for you all your life in good times and bad.
Your job is so simple when you think about - love, believe, trust and ask for forgiveness when you stumble. God will be a continual presence lifting you up and helping you forward.
Heavenly Father,
We trust in your plan for our lives. We promise to do our best to follow your teachings. With your help, our faith will remain strong.
Amen.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Theme: Treasurers of Heaven
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 33:1-6
"He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure."
Isaiah 33:6 (NRSV) In our times, as always, salvation, wisdom and knowledge comes from the Lord.
Who will be there when I face eternity?Hollywood? The Democrats? The Republicans? The Communists??? The Media? Talk Radio? The NRA? PETA? NARAL? The UN? The Government? Science? A Psychic? Astrology? The Atheist??? The list is endless and the answer is: None of the above.
However, God will be there. In the present, the Lord will lead me and provide me wisdom and knowledge. In the end, my soul is in God's hands and no others'.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in men. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
-Psalm 118: 8-9
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Theme: Following the Star
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-34
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 (NRSV)It's easy to let the world lead us astray. The world is full of things that glitter and promise us happiness. What is true happiness? Yes, the world will give us happiness for a moment.
God will give us peace for a lifetime when we seek his presence and read his Word daily. God will be part of our daily walk. What a wonderful feeling to have God walking with us, sharing our joys and sorrows. God is not a fickle friend. He wants to be there for all times.
We must change our focus. We can focus on the world. Or, we can turn our eyes to God. We can take a leap of faith and walk into God's outstretched, loving embrace. God is waiting for us to choose his love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Dear loving Father,
Thank you for loving me and being patient with me. Guide my steps. Help me to be worthy of your love.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Theme: Treasures of Heaven
Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:36-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Matthew 19:21 (NRSV)I tend to keep things and collect things. I have pictures, records, magazines, books, coins, and stamps. These things take up so much room in my house that I also have to rent storage. I would have a difficult time locating some things if I wanted to.
For instance, some of my pictures have faded. Some of my pictures are not labeled properly and I can no longer identify the people or places. Some of my records are the old shellac, 10-inch diameter type that break easily and only hold 6-8 minutes of music. A CD is less than 5-inch diameter and holds up to 80 minutes of music. Problems exist with my other collectibles as well.
Jesus told us that we should pay little heed to treasures on earth because these treasures will not last and they are only temporary. What is really important is to store up treasures in heaven that will last forever.
Dear Lord, help us to remember that treasures on earth are only temporary. The only real treasure of consequence is your promise of eternal life.
Amen.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Theme: Treasures of Heaven
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:16-26
"Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me.
Matthew 19:21 (NRSV)Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me.
If you read this scripture on December 13, you know there are only 12 more shopping days until Christmas. The ads are on television at every commercial break. We could strain our backs picking up the San Antonio News; it is so filled with ads. We feel we need to get out and shop for the perfect gift for everyone on our list.
So, often the dilemma continues. Each year I have family and friends on my list who really don't need or do not want any more possessions. Their closets are crammed with clothes and collectibles are falling off their tables.
I think it would be difficult for most of us to sell all our possessions; however, it might be a good time to decide if we want to add possessions to an already often overburdened lifestyle. I think many people on our gift giving list would be very happy to have us make a charitable donation in their name to a worthy organization.
I know after having moving several times in the last few years, I have simplified and down sized and find it to be a great personal joy to give to a worthy case.
We have a good opportunity during this holiday season to "give the money to the poor" and may it then continue throughout the year as we continue to think, "Do we really need it?"
We are all so richly blessed. I know we will find our treasure in heaven.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Theme: Treasures of Heaven
Scripture Reading: Luke 6-43-49
"The good person out of good treasure of the heart produces good and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 (NRSV)The good person out of good treasure of the heart produces good and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Luke tells us about the good fruit that are produced from good trees and that a bad tree bears no good fruit. Figs can not be picked from throne bushes. Our lives should be like the good trees, we should bear good fruit. Our hearts are like the inward parts of the tree. The good tree that has good limbs, good leaves and good roots. Our bodies should be like the good tree. Our limbs (arms) should reach out to others to help others. Our arms can also encircle others and hold them securely. Our leaves could be the words that are spoken to and for others. We need to make sure that when our leaves fall (when words are spoken) that they are good words. When our leaves have fallen off the tree in the fall of the year, we should make sure that our limbs are still strong and powerful. We should also have good roots so that we would not be like the house built on sand without a foundation. We need to stand steadfast in our belief and know that our roots run deep. Our tap root can be like our foundation, out link to our loving and caring Lord.
Our speech and actions reveal the true underlying beliefs, attitudes and motivations that we have. We must always strive to make a good impression in everything that we say and do. Actions speak louder than words. Always remember that a first impression can only be made once.
A person who has a hard heart has the worse kind of heart trouble.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Theme: Treasures of Heaven
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
"But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NRSV)The light of God shines within each of us. What an awe-inspiring thought. God gives us many blessings. We are not always thankful of what we have. We want more.
When problems arise, that is when we want God to swoop down and make everything right again. God is with us in the good times as well. He wants to bless us as well. We must accept his love and presence in our daily life.
God has been the best friend we will ever have. He sent Jesus to show us the way to his love. We are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and we will find God. We are loved and cherished. Let us spread the love of God to all who need to have their hearts filled with his love and mercy.
Dear God,
Thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We are unworthy. Help us to accept your love and spread it to everyone we meet.
Amen.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:1-17
"But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
Romans 8:10. (NRSV)Although these words of the Apostle Paul are very difficult to understand, they contain a message that we can all take to heart in this Christmas season and throughout the year.
There are two kinds of life. There is the life which is dominated by sinful human nature; the life whose focus and center is self; the life whose only law is its own desires. We see examples of this every day in the terrible greed that infects humanity. You can see it in acts of selfishness, and a lack of love and compassion towards others. Unfortunately, we all have something of this in us, and thus, in Paul's words, are dead because of sin.
At the same time there is the life that is dominated by the Spirit of God. That person lives in Christ, and is Spirit-controlled, Christ-controlled, and God focused. There is a tremendous challenge here for us; to teach our children how to focus on Christ at a Season that has been commercialized as none other. Can we center it on Christ?
To see how our Sunday School is trying to accomplish this, read the devotion prepared by our young people for Sunday, December 9.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Romans 12
"For as in one body, we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually, we are members one of another."
Romans 12:4, 5. (NRSV)There may not be equity in the individual spiritual gifts that we bring to the Church, but Christ assures us that there is absolute equity in their essentiality and value. Any talent that I dedicate to Christ is priceless in its value to the Greater Church. Our glory as a community comes not from our uniformity but from our diversity. Imagine a wedding cake. The differences between a teaspoon of soda, and a pinch of salt and several cups of flour are tremendous but without even one of those ingredients there would be no cake at all. I must remember to measure my service on the basis of my own gifts and not someone else's. our talents and gifts are God-given. By not bringing them all to the table, we fail to glorify God. He has given each of us our talents to build up one another so that as a community we can strengthen the Greater Church.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Galatians 6
"From now on, let no one make trouble for me; I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
Galatians 6:17. (NRSV)We are the body of Christ. We are put on this earth to bear witness to God's love and mercy. Helping people along the way is one way to show God of our love for him.
We are Christians. The message of the cross should be shouted from the rooftops. We are messengers of God.
Love is put in our hearts. God places a never-ending supply of love in our hearts. We can never run out. The love of God was meant to be shared and spread around, not hoarded. We are to show others the way to the cross and the love of God.
It is not always easy to love everyone. We do not always like or agree with others. We must love them anyway. God knows the struggles we face. He walked the earth. We must take a leap of faith and trust God.
Dear Holy Father,
We are your body. We were put here to spread the great news of your love and mercy. Help us to be a shining example of your love.
Amen.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1
"And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:22, 23. (NRSV)We are the body of Christ. Wow! God wants us to be his helpers on this earth. We are entrusted to spread God's love, mercy and message to everyone.
It is hard to help all who need to feel God's love in their lives. We only want to help those who are like us. God loves us unconditionally. He loves everyone unconditionally.
We are following in Christ's footsteps. God sent Christ to be our shining example of how to live and follow God. It is now up to us to turn our hearts over to the Holy Spirit. We need to ask God to help us be more Christ-like. If we are to be his body and help his people, then we need to first turn our eyes to him.
Dear Father,
Help me to be like Christ. Open my heart. May I spread your message of love, grace and forgiveness to all I meet. Use me as your instrument of peace .
Amen
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NRSV)We are all joined through Christ. We are one body. We must all work together for God's goodness.
Living together in love is what God has planned for us. We have been shown the way to the love of God. Jesus showed us how to live and love others. Our job is to accept the challenge and follow God.
God placed us here to help each other and build others up with love. We can never run out of the love God places in our hearts. When we spread love, we help to heal a hurting world. The world needs to feel the love God offers for free. All we need to do is walk into his loving embrace.
Dear Loving Father,
We are your body. Use us as your arms and legs, to spread your message of love and mercy. May I show others the way to you and your love.
Amen.
Friday, December 21, 2003
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NRSV)We are made new in Christ. When we ask God to guide us and live in our hearts, we are made clean. God forgives us when we seek him with a contrite heart.
God wants us to choose him. We make him happy when we follow him. We are the body of Christ. Through example, we are messengers of God's unfailing and unending love.
Our focus needs to be on God. When we turn towards God, he will fill our hearts with love and peace. We were chosen by God. We must choose to accept his love and mercy. He is waiting with outstretched arms.
Dear Father,
I am yours. Use me as an instrument of your peace and love. May I light the way out of the darkness to your love and mercy.
Amen.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Theme: Body of Christ
Scripture Reading: James 2:14-26
"For just as the body, without the Spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead."
James 2:26 (NRSV)Faith without deeds is nothing. There is an old song that says, "They will know that we are Christians by our love." If we say we love God and act in a way that is not Christ like, what does that say about our faith?
God put us here to help others. Christ was sent to show us the way to God and his never ending supply of love and mercy. We are sent to show the way to others who need to feel the love of God in their daily walk.
The only way we can reach some people is by our actions. If they see what God does in our daily life, we can help them find God. There is a saying that fits. "I don't hear your words; your actions are drowning them out." We are the body of Christ. Our actions need to show the love and mercy of God.
Dear loving Father,
Help me to be the messenger of your love and mercy to the world. May I spread your love to those who need to feel your loving embrace in their lives.
Amen.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Theme: Gifts of God
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:7-14
"If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask him."
Matthew 7:11 (NRSV)We are always accepted in God's family. We are never turned away. God will always love and accept us, no matter what.
We must seek God's presence. We must ask God to walk with us. The choice is ours to make. God will always be there for us. He puts us on the path. Our footsteps will be guided by God. We must turn our eyes towards God and place our trust and hearts in God loving care.
God knows what is best for us. We must trust God. It is hard to turn the reins of our life over to God. If we want to walk in the light of God's love, we must first ask God to be a part of our life every day. God is waiting for us with open arms to accept him. Let us walk away from the darkness of the world into the light of his love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to always remember your infinite love for me. May I always choose the light of your love. I want to be a messenger of your love to everyone I meet.
Amen
Monday, December 24, 2007
Theme: Gifts of God
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
"Just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 1:6,7 (NRSV)If you are reading this in the early hours of the 24th you probably fall into two distinct categories. Either, you have long ago completed your shopping and have all the gifts neatly wrapped in color coordinated materials. Or, you (like me) are putting on the "whole armor" in preparation for a Christ-filled shopping experience. The time is limited. The merchandise is inadequate. The love in other shoppers' hearts is inadequate for the task that lies before them. Above all the parking lots resemble continual demolition derbies.
As I think about what faces each of us on Monday, December 24, 2007 I am reminded of the gifts that have meant the most to me. None of these gifts were tangible; none ever made the "Hottest Gift of the Season" list. Rather they were gifts that I hold in my heart and bring out at those special moments when they continue to give. Rather, they are the gifts that remind me of a special person in my life or an event that significantly impacted my life journey.
In Paul's salutation to the church at Corinth, he reminds the struggling, conflicted church of God's continual and everlasting gift. This gift is not tangible le nor can it be easily explained. It is God's spiritual gift that will be our constant companion as we prepare for the coming of Christ Jesus.
Through God's spiritual gift we freely receive God's grace that not only makes possible the beginning of our faith journey, but also sustains the believer throughout their lives. In this grace we discover how to employ God's spiritual gifts in service for the community in love.
In our preparation for the Coming of Christ, it is through God's indwelling Spirit that we discover a constant strength that allows us to walk through dark pathways. The Spirit brings us comfort and insight for the struggles we are called upon to face. The Spirit brings us comfort and insight for the struggles we are called upon to face. The Spirit shows us how we can be instruments of God's Peace in a world experiencing the most intense labor pains. Through the Spirit of God's love we truly receive all we need-including the faith and trust to be God's servants.
What a wonderful day to revisit the Spiritual gift that God has implanted within you. What a wonderful day to allow God's gift to move you to be a living example of Christ in your world.
Tuesday December 25, 2007
Theme: Gifts of God
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
"And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13. (NRSV)God has given us many gifts that we are all thankful for. I believe the greatest is the gift of love.
There are several types of love, starting with the Love of God, and then the love of our parents, and for our sisters and brothers, family and friends. Later in life you may find the love of a spouse, and from this you may be given the greatest gift of all - a child. Although I have never received this gift, I know that from the time you conceive, you know you have been blessed; you nurture and pray for good health. What a wonderful feeling this must be.
And when this child is born and you see it has 10 fingers and 10 toes, and is a little angel, you know you have the greatest gift of all - God's love.
Acknowledgments
We wish to acknowledge and thank all of the people who contributed their time, talent and insight to the making of this booklet. Special thanks to the Sunday School class for making the beautiful covers. As you read the writings contained within, may the Lord speak to your heart. May God bless you and your loved ones this holiday season. The following people contributed time, talent and insight making this the best Advent Booklet yet.
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