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Advent 2 - Monday
By Pat Lee | December 8, 2008
Advent Take-Homes
The following have been used as resources for these take-homes.
In the Presence of the Lord—Advent Devotions by Caroline Pignat
Daybreaks—Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas by Patricia Livingston
Wake Up To Joy Devotions for Advent by Mark Neilsen
Following the Star—Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas by Mark Boyer
Living in Hope Advent Meditations—Henri Nouwen
Second Week of Advent
Monday - December 8, 2008
Our Purpose
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-15
Scripture Verse: “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe the good news” Mark 1:14-15
Would an Old Testament prophet or John the Baptist or Jesus visit our culture and accuse us of being captured by our accumulation of things—by a reliance on our possessions.
The baby whose birth we are preparing to celebrate will grow up to challenge people to rely on him instead.
“The kingdom of God is near,” (Mark 1:15). We define “kingdom of God” every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” The Christmas baby grew up as the Son of God by doing the will of his heavenly Father. We live as children of his Kingdom when we try to discern and do the will of the God revealed to us in Jesus.
Even with all that God has done for us—giving us Jesus, forgiving our sins, bringing us into Jesus’ church, supporting us with His Holy Spirit—God still calls us to “repent and believe the good news.”—to turn to God each day and each day to allow the good news of God’s love for all people to touch our hearts and affect our lives.
William Barclay wrote that Christianity does not withdraw us from life but equips us for life.
Allowing Jesus to touch our hearts and affect or lives does not release us from problems or concern for the problems of others. Instead it equips us to face our problems and to help others who are experiencing challenges in life.
Prayer: Loving God, help us during this Advent Season to turn to you and to allow your Son Jesus to touch our hearts. Amen
Topics: Advent |
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