Christian Reflection and Prayer

John's disciples said to Jesus,
"Are you 'He who is to come' or
do we look for another?" In reply,
Jesus said: "Tell John what you
hear and see: the blind recover
their sight, cripples walk, lepers
are cured, and the poor have
good news preached to them...
" Lk. 3:10 Third Week of Advent

O Jesus, I rejoice at the signs
that say you are near. Your
power is everywhere if I could see it.

Yet my eyes often see only
darkness and what has yet to
be done. I believe in you, yet
when I look around evil seems
so strong and goodness so weak.
If you have come, why is there still
so much suffering and why do the
poor still despair? Where are your
miracles today?

Your grace, O Lord, is more fruitful
in my world than I imagine. I know
your power is everywhere around
me, if I could only see it. Show me
today where the blind see and cripples walk.

Make my vision sharper than it is.

Scripture:

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son.
and he will be called Immanuel*
(meaning, God is with us) Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

Reflection:

This verse really should be burned in our
mine and our soul. The prophet Isaiah gave
us a prediction on how the world would change
when Jesus Christ was born. He will be called
Immanuel* which means God is with us. I want
you to promise me something. Learn this verse
will you!!!! remember it every day, every hour, every
minute, every second of your life. GOD IS WITH
YOU!!!!!! That's right I don't care what you do,
whether it's right or wrong, God loves you, God
is with you.Thats what we are celebrating this
Advent Season. The coming of God, through
Jesus Christ, and He is with us. There is one
more thing I would like you to remember.
Simply this: Good-by is short for "God be
with you". Jesus Christ is God's
"good-bye" gift to you, that you might greet
each new day with the words, "Hello Lord!"

Prayer:

Thank you God for loving me and always
being with me. THANK YOU GOD FOR
BEING GOD

Loving God,
there are times in each life
when there is no one.
No one with whom to share
a word,
a laugh,
a sad remembrance,
a gentle touch,
a fond embrace,
a kiss of love.
Bless each one who suffers
from such loneliness.
Enrich life with a friend
or gentle stranger
who will spend a moment
noticing
and loving.
In those times
your love shines through,
the world is reborn,
and Christ is known.
So be it!
Amen.
- Vienna Cobb Anderson
source: Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts" © 1991 Vienna Cobb Anderson.