Dec. 19, 2010
DEVOTION: Blessings at Advent
By Beth Bondurant
Depending on where you live, weather may or may not factor in to this Fourth Sunday of Advent activities although most areas of our country have had colder than usual temperatures and some wintry storms not usually occurring before Christmas.
What happens when we face undue pressures and extenuating circumstances that halt or even devastate our customary routine no matter what time of year.
In the Christmas story... both Mary and Joseph experience panic in the realization that a child was to be born.
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which in Hebrew means, "God is with us."
Birth, death, divorce, sickness, poverty, war, lack of basic necessities, alienation, doubt, fear, hunger, hopelessness... can tie up our lives and immobilize us from understanding or knowing... God is with us.
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine...smile your blessing smile!"
Be prepared to receive blessings of Advent... as they come to light up the dark... and fill each day with meaning and purpose.
Someone took the time to clear off several driveways here... to make it easier for persons to get to the funeral service of a loved one.
Food is being gathered and delivered to bring hope and help to friends and strangers.
Numerous gifts are given to bring happiness and wonder to children everywhere.
Coats...mittens... scarves... toboggans... and other winter wear is shared freely.
Special surprises to light up the life of both young and old are secretly placed...only to be found with exuberant joy.
Songs of warmth and caring resound throughout the neighborhood and around the country to remind us of "the reason for the season".
In the tiniest sparkle of paper...cards... lights... and gifts... we experience... God with us.
Love is abundantly made visible.
O God, help me to open my eyes to your presence with me... with us. You indeed do smile blessings around us always... and we desire the faith and eagerness to see...touch.. feel and receive them. When I am most imprisoned by doubt and fear, COME BY HERE... MY LORD... and "renew a right spirit within me". Help me reach out and touch persons close to me and realize that in giving myself to another... I give myself to you. Open my heart to receive the gifts of Christmas which continue to come year round in your unconditional and eternal mercy and love. I'm not always ready...but I want to be. My heart does sing with hope... and I am so thankful for Your Blessings of Advent.
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DEVOTION: Blessings at Advent
By Beth Bondurant
Depending on where you live, weather may or may not factor in to this Fourth Sunday of Advent activities although most areas of our country have had colder than usual temperatures and some wintry storms not usually occurring before Christmas.
What happens when we face undue pressures and extenuating circumstances that halt or even devastate our customary routine no matter what time of year.
In the Christmas story... both Mary and Joseph experience panic in the realization that a child was to be born.
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which in Hebrew means, "God is with us."
Birth, death, divorce, sickness, poverty, war, lack of basic necessities, alienation, doubt, fear, hunger, hopelessness... can tie up our lives and immobilize us from understanding or knowing... God is with us.
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine...smile your blessing smile!"
Be prepared to receive blessings of Advent... as they come to light up the dark... and fill each day with meaning and purpose.
Someone took the time to clear off several driveways here... to make it easier for persons to get to the funeral service of a loved one.
Food is being gathered and delivered to bring hope and help to friends and strangers.
Numerous gifts are given to bring happiness and wonder to children everywhere.
Coats...mittens... scarves... toboggans... and other winter wear is shared freely.
Special surprises to light up the life of both young and old are secretly placed...only to be found with exuberant joy.
Songs of warmth and caring resound throughout the neighborhood and around the country to remind us of "the reason for the season".
In the tiniest sparkle of paper...cards... lights... and gifts... we experience... God with us.
Love is abundantly made visible.
O God, help me to open my eyes to your presence with me... with us. You indeed do smile blessings around us always... and we desire the faith and eagerness to see...touch.. feel and receive them. When I am most imprisoned by doubt and fear, COME BY HERE... MY LORD... and "renew a right spirit within me". Help me reach out and touch persons close to me and realize that in giving myself to another... I give myself to you. Open my heart to receive the gifts of Christmas which continue to come year round in your unconditional and eternal mercy and love. I'm not always ready...but I want to be. My heart does sing with hope... and I am so thankful for Your Blessings of Advent.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
