Christmas Week 2009 – Micah 5:4-5

Micah 5:4-5 – And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Your Advent journey has come to an end, but your journey with God has begun anew. God incarnate will be here soon. Be fervent in your prayers, gentle with one another and know that God, your Creator, remains steadfast by your side today and always.

Prayer
Gracious, loving God, you have always been with me, but I am often blind to your presence. Guide me where you would have me go. Help me to move closer to you and your plan for me. AMEN.

Christmas Week 2009 – Luke 2:8-9

Luke 2:8-9 – And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

Another enduring image of this season is that of the announcement of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The first people to hear of Jesus’ birth were not the wealthy and politically connected but were hardworking laborers – “common” people given an uncommon gift.

Prayer: God of all, help us remember that each of us shares the status as one of your children. Help us act appropriately toward one another. AMEN.

Christmas Week 2009 – Luke 2:5-7

Luke 2:5-7 – [Joseph] went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The image of Jesus’ humble beginnings is powerful. Consider the immigrants among you today. Consider the children being born today in modern day mangers far away from home. Pray for them all.

Prayer: Almighty God, much of the hope of this world rests in bundles of innocence being born at this time. Help us create a world that is safer, more nurturing and more loving for each of them. AMEN.

Christmas Week 2009 – Isaiah 9:6-7

With Christmas Eve, Christmas and the first Sunday after Christmas now upon us, the lectionary offers numerous scriptures. Some of those include: Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14, 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52.

Isaiah 9:6-7 – For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

There was an anthem I sang in choir years ago titled “God So Loved the World,” that includes the line:
God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world,
but so the world through him might be saved.
“For a child has been born for us…and there shall be endless peace…” This is the miracle, the beauty, and the hope of this season.

Prayer: Everlasting God, we celebrate and thank you for giving us the greatest gift – hope, through the gift of your son Jesus. AMEN.

Picture for Christmas Week – 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.

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Praying through Advent – Twenty Fifth Day of Advent – Micah 5:4-5

Micah 5:4-5 – And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Your Advent journey has come to an end, but your journey with God has begun anew. God incarnate will be here soon. Be fervent in your prayers, gentle with one another and know that God, your Creator, remains steadfast by your side today and always.

Prayer
Gracious, loving God, you have always been with me, but I am often blind to your presence. Guide me where you would have me go. Help me to move closer to you and your plan for me. AMEN.

Praying through Advent – Twenty Fourth Day of Advent – Luke 1:52-53

Luke 1:52-53 – “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

You are approaching a season of great feasts when many good things will be on your table. Yet our feasts often fall short when it comes to the health considerations of those around the table. Will there be people around your table watching their cholesterol or their fat intake? Will you host anyone with diabetics? Be mindful of the health concerns around your Christmas table and plan today for choices that all can enjoy.

Prayer
Loving God, help me create a Christmas season that is welcoming to and mindful of all who might visit. AMEN.

Praying through Advent – Twenty Third Day of Advent – Luke 1:46b, 48-49

Luke 1:46b, 48-49 – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

As part of your meditative time today, consider gifts you have received from God, maybe even writing them down. Throughout the day, consider this list, and thank God for all he has done for you.

Prayer
Generous God, thank you for the many blessings you have poured out on me. May I remain forever grateful of your generosity. AMEN.

Praying through Advent – Twenty Second Day of Advent – Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 – But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

It is easy to feel insignificant in this world. We are preparing to celebrate a young girl in a small town giving birth to a little boy in whom the hope of the world will come to rest. God can do extraordinary things through unlikely people – including you.

Prayer
Almighty God, mold me and use me as an instrument of your will. AMEN

Picture for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – Micah 5:4-5

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

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Praying through Advent – Twenty First Day of Advent – Luke 3:10-11

Luke 3:10-11 – And the crowds asked [John the Baptist], “What should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”

You are approaching a season of gift giving. Consider taking this passage literally. Take a few moments to clean out your closet of unneeded clothing or your pantry of food you do not need. If you do not know a family in need, share these items with a local church, clothes closet or food pantry.

Prayer
Merciful God, in this season of giving, help me be mindful of the needs of my brothers and sisters. AMEN.

Praying through Advent – Twentieth Day of Advent – Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Advent is a short journey within the larger context of your life. But travel is almost always more fulfilling when you are joined by someone else. This passage notes that your life should be an ongoing conversation with God, that you are never alone on your journey.

Prayer
God of my past, present and future, incline my ears to you so that I might hear your still small voice guiding me. AMEN.