Today’s Reflection
Advent is all about preparing ourselves for the coming Messiah, who has already come in the past, continually comes to us in the here and now, and will come again in the future. The question we ask today is this: How do we prepare ourselves so that he can come into our lives, into our relationships, and into the fractured and broken world where we live?
Daily Practice:
Make one phone call to someone who is feeling lonely or struggling. Let him or her know that he or she is in your thoughts.
… Keep [them] close to your heart in prayer today.
—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Advent: Words of Wonder (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
What are some ways you prepare your heart for the Christ child’s birth? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord.”
—Isaiah 40:3 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy One, guide me as I reflect on the wonder of Jesus’ birth this Advent. May Jesus be born anew in my life. Help me to show his love and grace to others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
This year, The Upper Room Chapel is celebrating Advent with preachers from across the globe in a special Advent Around the World Series. Hear preachers from Ukraine and the Caribbean, just to name a few. Join us on Facebook or YouTube each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (CST) for a moment of prayer and worship this Advent season.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
Most of my preparation is time honored habit,. New in the last few years a book or Bible study, helped with Communion the last two Advents.
Miss posts a few days here and it seems like I missed the whole world. Prayers for Lou and family mourning the passing of her brother, the worsening situation with H, Megan’s visit to the doctor,
Becky’s torn rotator cuff, the passing of Larry’s cousin, Jill’s so far not so much help with PT, the gun and stabbing at her school, the well-being: spiritually, mentally, and physically for all.
There has been some skiing here in the White Mountains, but green trails are not what my skier is looking for. It is still our goal to move to the Poconos, if is not the question, when is. Doing things to hopefully help the sale of the condo when conditions improve.
Church council tonight, we’re trying to simplify running the church and going to a fewer bodied style. Had 28 in church Sunday, Christmas is coming.
There were hints of a German breakfast this morning on Nikolaus Day, The Brötchen had aspects of the real thing, but aren’t quite there yet. Maybe longer defrosting and longer baking. Followed the directions, even added extra baking time.
Glad you like the marzipan filled Stollen Ally, a favorite here too. The Springerle from the bakers in PA is outstanding, many flavors, but ours was traditional anise. Lebkuchen can be bought at ALDI or through the mail.
The abundant music of this season does a lot to lift the soul. Very thankful for it, it never gets old, and there are new carols and hymns that keep us growing.
Prayers, blessings, Advent candles, and thanks to all. Thank You, Lord.
Having recently restarted church attendanceI am enjoying the traditional worship based Advent practices again. Also the Bible study that has recently begun involves reading and discussing the lectionary readings for the week. Of course these reflect that we are in the Advent season. This year I have an Advent wreath and candles. I have not lit the candles as I am not here on Sundays.
Megan had a good visit with the doctor. He took xrays and ordered blood work which she indicated must be substantial because they took many vials. He also gave her a prescription for painkillers.
Prayers for Jill as she continues to struggle with pain despite PT. Prayers for Becky as she deals with a rotator cuff injury and surgery. Prayers for Lou and her family as they gather together for Christmas. Although there will be mourning may there also be comfort. Prayers for Robert and Erich as they celebrate their German heritage and enjoy favorite treats. Prayers ffor Ally and David as they struggle to return to a sense of normalcy despite David’s many health issues.
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