Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Revelation 4:1-11. TEXT: And the whole multitude of
the people were praying outside at the hour of
incense (Luke 1:10).

Advent devos 2015When I was a boy, my brothers and I
were mesmerized by the pomp and ceremony of church.
We memorized each step of the acolyte, dreaming of the
day we would wear those robes and carry that burning taper.
We'd pause and make a deep, solemn bow in reverence
before God's altar, then step up into the chancel to light the
gleaming candelabra, standing on either side of the altar.

After the service we rushed home to play "church." We put
on our housecoats and scarves and set up a little table as
the altar. One brother played organist on our little chord
organ, and my other brother and I played acolyte and pastor.

I wonder if Zechariah did the same when he was a little boy.
Did he go up to the temple with his family and stand at the
gate, watching the priests dressed in their fancy robes,
walking around with great somber steps, offering the
sacrifices? Did he watch the priest step through the temple
doors with great pomp and ceremony? Did he pretend he
was that priest, gazing around in awe and amazement at
the glories of God's holy temple?

Finally, the day has come for Zechariah to step into that
holy place. What a wondrous sight awaits him!

One day, you and I will leave this world. Because of Jesus'
birth that first Christmas and the life He lived afterwards--
because of His suffering, death and resurrection--He has
made it possible for us to step into His majestic throne room
and stand in His splendid presence forever.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me worthy to come into
Your presence. Come among Your people today, and
cleanse us from all sin. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
December 1, 2015)

Read Luke 1:8-10.. TEXT: ... he (Zechariah) was chosen
by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense
(Luke 1:9b).

Life holds out many high honors for which we can strive.
Students work hard to be part of the National Honor
Society or class valedictorian. Athletes work hard to win
championships and be named the most valuable player.
But sometimes the honor of a lifetime simply falls upon
us at some unanticipated moment.

For Zechariah the priest, there is no higher honor than
being chosen to burnincense in the temple of the Lord. It
is the honor of a lifetime. While the people of God remain
outside, praying in the temple courts, Zechariah will pass
through the temple doors alone. Once inside, he will burn
incense on the altar of incense that stands before the
ornate temple curtain.

Even though God had withheld the honor and joy of
children from Zechariah, He richly blesses the priest with
this joyous experience.

Perhaps this last day of November finds you waiting for
your life's dreams to come true. While that may be the case,
be sure to appreciate the other things God sets before you
today: the joy of family and friends, the beautiful decorations
of this season, a joyous party.

The same is true of this coming Christmas. It may seem
diminished in your eyes because you'll be away from home
for the first time or your home or table will be empty, or
you'll be separated from friends or loved ones. But don't
fail to see the amazing and wonderful things God is doing
each day.

THE PRAYER:

Holy Father, thank You for providing all of my needs of
body and spirit. Teach me to rejoice and give thanks for
every joy in life--even those that don't seem as great as
the ones I might be anticipating. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(By Rev. Wayne Palmer
November 30, 2015)

(This is the best explanation of the meaning of the
Advent and Christmas season I have seen)

THE MONTH OF DECEMBER BRINGS WITH IT THE SEASON
OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS.  It'S ALWAYS BEEEN MY
FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE IT SHOW US
POWERFULLY AND PRACTICALLY HOW OUR CHRISTIAN
FAITH ENTERED THE WORLD. THE INCARNATION IS
UNIQUE AMONG WORLD RELIGIONS.  THE WAY I LIKE TO
SAY IT:  IN CHRIST, GOD HITS THE STREETS.  CHRISTMAS
GIVES CHRISTIANS THE ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY TO
REMEMBER THE INCARNATION OF GOD'S LOVE
BREAKING INTO THE WORLD--HOW IT DID AND HOW
IT STILLL CAN.

ADVENT IS ABOUT WAITING, AND CHRITMAS BRINGS THE
 NEWBORN WHO ANNOUNCES A NEW ORDER MEANT TO
TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN--AND OUR LIVES WITH IT.  
CHRISTMAS ALWAYS RENEWS MY COMMITMENT TO BRING
THAT REVOLUTIONARY LOVE INTO A WORLD THAT SO
DESPERATELY NEEDS IT, AND INTO MY OWN LIFE AGAIN.

IN THE BUSTLE OF OUR DAILY LIVES, WITH ALL OF THE
DISTRACTIONS AND STRUGGLES THAT COME OUR WAY--
EVEN IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES--IT IS SO EASY FOR US TO
LOSE SIGHT OF US OF THE TRANSFORMING LOVE EMBODIED
IN THE PERSON OF CHRIST. SO IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT
WE HAVE THIS SEASON TO REMEMBER AND RE-ENCOUNTER
AND RE-CENTER OURSELVES ON THE HEART OF OUR FAITH:  
GOD BREAKING INTO HISTORY TO TRANSFORM IT, AND US,
IN THE PERSON OF JESUS.
(Jim Wallis Soujourners Magazine)