Waiting for Jesus

November 24

scripture: Isaiah 40: 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young.

This passage reminds me that God is with people who have come upon hard times. Many of our ancestors came to this place of goodness through much hardship. As we gather in comfort , take time to appreciate their perseverance. Pause and reflect on the special things that decorate your home. Is there an especially favorite decoration that would be the one you would choose, if you could only keep one?

This picture shows some of my favorites: a candle snuffer gifted to us; quilted table linen made by my mom; but the item I’m thinking of as most precious is the Christmas candle bridge. It reminds me of my heritage, family gatherings and lighting advent candles. I give thanks for the warm glow of soft light and gentle hearts.

Is there an ornament you would need to keep if you could only keep one? Share the story in the comments please.

Let us pray: Glorious God, your precious son Jesus is our hope and desire for a world bruised and torn apart. Remind us that you are present even in the tough times. Comfort those who’s life is in danger, be with those who are homeless, those who are fleeing from war, those whose lives have been turned upside down by unexpected events. Remind us that in your love all are gathered and comforted. Amen

Waiting for Jesus November 20

Prayer: Mark 13: v 8

Affirming God, as we desperately wait for Jesus we ponder: How often do you speak to us, and how often do we miss it? How often do you whisper blessings over us that we refuse to hear?

Open our hearts. Create space in us to not only hear YOUR words, but to believe the good news tucked between them.

We are hungry for your wisdom, so speak to us now.

With hope and curiosity, we listen.

With hope and curiosity, we dare to begin again.

Amen.

Theme: 1. nation against nation – 2. see the end and the coming of the Son – the more we see the end, the more important it is to provoke one another to love.

Waiting for Jesus

November 17

Isaiah 52: 7 How beautiful upon the mountains
    are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
    who announces salvation,
    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

We are buffeted and battered almost at this time of year by consumerism. It is overwhelming and often falls short of the promise, leaving us empty. However, many family traditions are based on gifts of time together, and care for one another.

Perhaps you have a special Christmas ornament symbolizing this time together which was hand made. What does being hand made mean to you? how do you feel as you bring it out each year. Share your experience in the comment area of this page.

Let us pray: God of all, you know each of us intimately, and love us without judgement. Open our eyes to be your love in the world. Amen.

Waiting for Jesus: Nov 14

November 14, Music

This lively music is from Brazil. It features images of the angel bringing God’s message to Mary, the stable and the awaited birth. if you cannot access the video, paste this link in your search bar. https://youtu.be/LyT4THCudeo?si=iOVzu5zkT4Uu3Iun (It is there in purple ink.) or go to YouTube.com and paste it in their search bar.

Waiting for Jesus: Nov 13

Prayer: Mark 12:41-44

Look with mercy, gracious God,

upon people everywhere who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions.

Rouse us from our complacency

and help us to eliminate cruelty wherever it is found.

Strengthen those who seek equality for all.

Grant that everyone may enjoy a fair porion of the abundance of the earth;

Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

Waiting for Jesus

Sunday, November 10:

Isaiah 9: 2 –  The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.

As the earth rotates and the amount of daylight diminishes in this hemisphere it brings us joy to decorate with light and sparkle and illumination. This reminds us of the promise that Jesus is the light of the world.

The sparkles from our seasonal decorations reflect the light which shines through the darkness. Jesus shines in our life and we bring joy to the world as his light reflects through us. This is a world which desperately needs that sparkle and joy. This is a world which desperately needs Jesus.
Jesus brings peace.

Think about your Christmas ornaments ———Do you have an ornament which is from another country? Please share the story in the comments. Maybe you remember an ornament from the past which connected to another place and time.

Let us pray: God of light and love; you are the hope and the promise for all places and all generations. Be the beauty that we see. Be the beauty which we live. Amen