Christian Reflection and Prayer

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.

Scripture:

"…we who are still alive and remain
on earth will be caught up in the clouds t
o meet the Lord in the air and remain
with him forever."
1 Thessalonians 4:17 NLT

Awaiting our day

"The story is told of an old missionary
couple returning to the States after
many years of thankless service in Africa.
They happened to be on the same ship to
New York as President Theodore Roosevelt,
who was returning from a big game hunt in
Africa. As the ship pulled past the Statue of
Liberty and into the dock, huge crowds were
gathered to welcome him home. The press
was out in full force, and thousands of people
had come to get a glimpse of the president.

In the middle of the chaos, the aged
missionary couple fought their way through
the crowds with their large suitcases in tow.
Silently they hailed a cab and made their
way to a cheap hotel. The missionary sat
on the bed and said to his wife, "It just
doesn't seem right. We gave our lives to
Christ to win souls for the Kingdom in
Africa, and when we arrive home there
is no one here to meet us. The president
shoots a few animals and receives a royal
welcome."

His wife sat beside him on the bed and said
softly, "That's because we're not home yet, dear."

It may seem at times as if our work for Christ
is going unnoticed. Faith doesn't bring a lot
of praise on this earth. But that's only because
our trip is not yet over.

Our day will come, you can be sure. And when
it does, the ceremony will last for an eternity.

from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye,
Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin
(Tyndale) p 346