Christian Reflection and Prayer

PRAY, YES, BUT THEN ACT

Yesterday, two people armed in military-style gear
shot and killed 14 people and injured 17 others at
a holiday party in California. You've no doubt been
watching the headlines and reading about people's
"thoughts and prayers," but what is stunning is that
it wasn't even the only mass shooting yesterday.
Four others were shot, one killed, in Savannah, Ga.
Add it to the list of more than 350 mass shootings
this calendar year.

The epidemic of gun violence in America hasbecome
the new normal. We can't just blame it on the
brokenness of the world, pray for peace, and move
on, worried that anything more will be seen as
politicizing tragedy. What is tragic is that those who
have the ability to DO something about this crisis
refuse to offer more than simplistic sentiments on
Twitter before getting caught in a circular argument
about our rights as Americans. It's time for people of
faith to respond out of their faith and work to stop
senseless violence. As Nicholas Kristoff wrote in the
New York Times today: "It's not clear what policy, if
any, could have prevented the killings in San
Bernardino. Not every shooting is preventable. But
we're not even trying." Common sense measures like
universal background checks — which is supported
by 85 percent of Americans — would be a good start.

Tell your elected officials that while the NRA may give
them a positive rating — and bankroll their campaigns
— they're failing the American people by refusing to
offer any semblance of common sense measures that
could save lives.

"Thoughts and prayers" are not solutions for the
30,000 people who will be killed by a gun this year –
we need sensible gun safety legislation NOW.

Join thousands of others calling for action.

(by Jim Wallis)

Scripture;

"But the angel of the Lord said to Them, Do not be afraid,
I bring you good news that will cause great foy for all the
people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been
born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord."
(Luke 2:10-11) NIV

Reflection:

Well the "Christmas" celebration starts earlier and earlier
every year.  I'm sure that's not a revelation to you.  We all
know it and feel it every year. This year is no different.  
The "Christmas" begins.

I would like to make a suggestion this year, it's one that I
have made before.  I would like to suggest that this year
you remember what you are celebrating.  That you search
your soul and follow your heart and celebrate the birth of
the Messiah.  I mean really celebrate His birth.  I'm not
saying to stop celebrating the spirit of giving, but celebrate
the One who gave, Jesus Christ.  

On Christmas, Christ was born into this world for one
specific purpose, to give His life for us.  That's right, He
was born to die on the cross, so that we could live an
eternity to be free from the burden of our sins, and our
guilt, that's right to be guilt free forever. All we have to do
is "Believe" and to have "Faith" in the one we are
celebrating, Jesus Christ.

During this whole season, everytime you buy that
"Christmas" gift remember that in a very small way that
gift is given as a reminder of the gift that Jesus gave to
us, the gift of love, and of freedom.

Give your gift in that spirit, in the spirit of love, in the
spirit of Christmas.

Prayer:

Lord our Savior, may I give each one of my gifts, in the
spirit of Your love.  Through each present may I remember
Your spirit of love and sacrifice.  In Your Holy Name, AMEN   

Read Psalm 130. TEXT: But the angel said to him,
"Do not be afraid Zechariah ...." (Luke 1:13a).

Zechariah stands trembling in terror. His good intentions
and his blameless life mean nothing now. The angel's
holiness fills him with a painful awareness of his impure
heart, mind and soul. With rising dread he waits to hear
the angel explain the reason for this startling appearance.

The angel does not keep Zechariah waiting in suspense.
Immediately, he says, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah."
Because of Zechariah's trust in God's salvation, the Lord
was pleased to accept his offering of incense. He did not
send His angel to punish him, but to bring him amazing
good news.
 
When you experience good times in life are you waiting
on pins and needles for the other shoe to drop? Do you
live in fear, carrying an enduring dread of what is coming
on the horizon? God has come to remove that fear and
dread once and for all.

The whole theme of this Christmas season is "Do not be
afraid." In the coming days as we retrace the story of our
Savior's birth, we will see other angel visitations, and
each time hear those same words: "Do not be afraid."

God is not out to get you. He sent His Son to save you, to
fill your earthly life with peace, hope and joy. When this
life ends, He will remove your impurity forever. You will
experience eternal joy in His presence--all because of
Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection.

THE PRAYER:
Lord God, thank You that You do not come to me in
great power and wrath, but in a Baby filled with tender
love and mercy--Your dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer Lutheran Hour Ministries
December 3, 2015)