Christian Reflection and Prayer

When we sing hymns like “Silent Night” we are reminded that
though God seems silent, God is still at work. God is quietly,
subtly moving in the world. When faced with the difficulties
and pain of living in a world marked by sin, we are reminded
that the darkness does not have the last word, for God’s “light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”
(John 1:5).

This is what it means to have an Advent-shaped faith. It is a
reminder that though we live in a time of waiting, we cling to
the God who fulfills promises at the right time. This is what
gives us courage and endurance. It’s what enables us to
continue to fight the good fight, to continue speaking the
Gospel to those who seem far from God, to work for justice
in a world of lawlessness, to step once more into the mission
field for the “fields are ripe for the harvest” (John 4:35). We are
an Advent people, for we know the God who has come and
who will come again, and that is a hope that will not disappoint.

So sing the songs. Put up the decorations. Light the candles.
Tell the stories. And may you have a blessed Advent as we
await Emmanuel, God with Us. Amen.

( A selection from an article by Nick Price student at Concordia
Seminary in St. Louis in the M.Div program. His blog,
ProdigalPreacher.

Scripture:

James 1: 17  "Every good gift & every perfect gift is from
above, and comes down from the Father of Lights".

Reflection:

If I may I would like to make a suggestion.  In this coming
holiday season try doing this.  Take delight in the good
things God gives you. Don't be to preoccupied to "Stop
and smell the roses". James reminds us that every good
gift comes from God, and everyone of His good gifts
should remind us of all His glory to come.
Really that is what we are about to celebrate, the good
gift that is about to come. 

CELEBRATE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WITH THE
JOY THAT THE GOOD GIFT OF CHRIST IS ABOUT
TO COME!!!!!!!

Prayer:

Praise be to God, come Lord Jesus, come!!!!

Scripture:

Psalm 4:8  "I will.....lie down in peace.  For you alone
.....make me dwell in safety."

Reflection:

It seems that the Psalmist is telling me, "Don't let
anything be a substitute for God.  You see God loves
you and He absolutely wants to give you peace. Its
the kind of peace that comes from really knowing Him.
In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 11 verse 28, Christ
promise to all believers comes true.  "I will give you
rest".  We must realize that the only rest in life comes
from Jesus Christ.  The only peace, real peace, comes
from the Son of God, the Savior of the world. 

DO YOU WANT TO GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE?
GO TO GOD AND HE WILL KEEP YOU SAFE.

In the coming holiday season this is important for
us to remember.  Christ has come to give us peace.

Prayer:

Thank you almighty God for Your Son, Who
came to give us rest.   Amen