Christian Reflection and Prayer

Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with
the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and
well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out,
and loudly shouting, 'Wow! What a ride! Thank
You, Lord!'

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
JESUS CHRIST IS COMING !

Remembering the poor shepherds and the
circumstances of Christ's birth, so marked
by poverty, let us make them reminders of
the forgotten poor of our world. 

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4

Luke 1:68-79

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

Prayer:

Adult:
O Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace,
come and save your people.
Joy of every heart,
Strength of those who are poor,
come quickly to help us.

Child:
Prince of Peace,
teach the lion and the little lamb,
teach the cat and the mouse,
the the hawk and the tiny bird,
teach everyone who doesn't get along
to live in peace.

Scripture:

For the whole law can be summed up
in this one command: "Love your neighbor
as yourself." But if you are always biting
and devouring one another, watch out!
Beware of destroying one another.
Galatians 5:14-15.   

Reflection:

Have you ever been a member of a church
that is failing?  It is a terrible thing to
experience and I hope you never experience
this kind of failing. 
I have seen and been involved with a failing
church.  The pain involved was unbelievable.
In my observation, the failing began when
the members, no longer motivated by love,
became critical of others.  They stopped
looking for good in others and could only
see their faults.  Soon the unity of all the
believers was infected and broken. The
church failed.
I have some questions for you to ask of
yourself and ponder.  Have you talked
behind someone's back?  Have you focused
on others' shortcomings instead of their
strengths? 
Remind yourself of Jesus' command to love
others as you love yourself. When you begin
to feel critical of someone, make a list of that
person's positive qualities. If there are problems
that need to be addressed, it is better to confront
in love than to gossip.

Prayer:

Oh mighty God give me the strength to keep my
tongue in check.  Let patience, kindness, and love
rule my life and love be my guide in relationship
with my brothers and sisters. Let love be my
guide in my relationships to all people and Your
command to love one another be written in my
heart, mind, and my spirit.  In Jesus Name
Amen.