Nov. 30, 2009
DEVOTION: First Sunday of Advent
By Beth Bondurant
This year Thanksgiving Day turned quickly into a volatile black Friday as the spirit of grace and goodness was overshadowed by an intense insecurity of crowds determined to find Christmas peace at any price.
Anticipation for this momentous day of sales evoked a combination of hope and joy that drove numbers of people to the early dawn openings of stores across the nation.
Merchants prepared their employees as best they could for this influx of business... but unfortunately the presence of police and emergency personnel became a necessity in several areas of overwhelming congestion and agitated buyers.
Peace I leave with you... my peace I give unto you. NOT as the world gives... give I unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled... neither let them be afraid.
During our Advent journey... we are challenged to see God's presence and power in the midst of life... the good, the bad... and even the ugly.
A current movie.."2012"... seems to try "to picture" ... devastation and destruction... yet ends with the hope of restoration and renewal. From day to day... this is our journey. We look back and remember... we wait in expectation today... and we wonder at God's amazing power of redemption... "through it all".
Over and over and over and over again... we 'walk through the valley of the shadow of death'... and 'fear no evil'... for GOD IS WITH US...
Light the first candle of Advent in watchful waiting. Take time to see how God's Spirit moves in majesty and mystery to glow in sparkling wonderment... even in the darkest of night.
Allow God's Spirit to touch you. Trust in God's amazing grace. Tell others of God's unconditional love and everlasting hope. Begin the Advent journey in the presence of the One who loves you the most.
Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all these things that happen... standing firm in the presence of God.
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DEVOTION: First Sunday of Advent
By Beth Bondurant
This year Thanksgiving Day turned quickly into a volatile black Friday as the spirit of grace and goodness was overshadowed by an intense insecurity of crowds determined to find Christmas peace at any price.
Anticipation for this momentous day of sales evoked a combination of hope and joy that drove numbers of people to the early dawn openings of stores across the nation.
Merchants prepared their employees as best they could for this influx of business... but unfortunately the presence of police and emergency personnel became a necessity in several areas of overwhelming congestion and agitated buyers.
Peace I leave with you... my peace I give unto you. NOT as the world gives... give I unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled... neither let them be afraid.
During our Advent journey... we are challenged to see God's presence and power in the midst of life... the good, the bad... and even the ugly.
A current movie.."2012"... seems to try "to picture" ... devastation and destruction... yet ends with the hope of restoration and renewal. From day to day... this is our journey. We look back and remember... we wait in expectation today... and we wonder at God's amazing power of redemption... "through it all".
Over and over and over and over again... we 'walk through the valley of the shadow of death'... and 'fear no evil'... for GOD IS WITH US...
Light the first candle of Advent in watchful waiting. Take time to see how God's Spirit moves in majesty and mystery to glow in sparkling wonderment... even in the darkest of night.
Allow God's Spirit to touch you. Trust in God's amazing grace. Tell others of God's unconditional love and everlasting hope. Begin the Advent journey in the presence of the One who loves you the most.
Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all these things that happen... standing firm in the presence of God.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
