Sunday-Ps. 80 starts us with the Advent theme of God’s presence. While the Psalmist is fearful of God’s anger, the writer wants to experience the fullness of God’s presence. In the Incarnation, we find the image of God embedded in Jesus Christ, an approachable image.When do you wish a more ineffable, unreachable God and when do you wish to encounter The Presence?
Monday-Advent marks the beginning of the church year. So we are over a month ahead of the calendar. We march by the calendar but also by god’s time, so different than our limited grasp of that physical fundamental. Where do you need a fresh spiritual start? What do you prize enough to pretty well let alone?
Tuesday-The King of Love-, as I sang this song over and over, the message and promises sank into my memory bank. To this day, I can sing the six verses by memory. It continues to be a powerful reminder of the definition of "God-king"—love, shepherd, goodness, living water, carried gently, fearless before death's dark vale, cross guiding, healing grace, goodness that never fails.
From God Pause
Wednesday-There is no time for love to be born/ in a world flailing under fear,/trampled by terror, crushed by callousness./There is no room for love to be born/under the heft of pressing grief,no open portals in the perpetual busyness/or the list of endless tasks minted newly each morning,/where “to do” never seems to include “love more…."
Thursday-"While I am looking for something large, bright, and unmistakably holy, God slips something small, dark, and apparently negligible in my pocket. How many other treasures have I walked right by because they did not meet my standards?" Barbara Brown Taylor in Learning to Walk in the Dark.
-Friday-The holiday season abounds with memory.I was surprised when our younger daughter did an imitation of me disliking a song on the radio. it brought a gleam of joy to her face.What memories do you conjure up from years ago. What are favorite memories of you that others have? What do you think are especially treasured memories for God?
Saturday-We so easily speak of Advent as a waiting time. It captures a number of aspects of waiting. for the second coming, it is waiting for an event we do not fully grasp but have confidence will be good, just as the first arrival, the first advent of Jesus. Of course it deals with t waiting to celebrate the natal first advent of Jesus. We go through a dizzying set of preparations for Christmas, but we do neglect spiritual practices and preparation during Advent. When we wait, we can prepare.
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