Anticipating Advent
November 24th, 2009Tuesday’s Reflection
THIS SUNDAY, we celebrate the beginning of Advent, and pray that it may be a season of peace. We hover on the edge of our expectation — let the season of Advent begin. Let us prepare and relish our celebrations with the joy of God’s love in our hearts. We rejoice in our traditions, that they might renew our bonds of fellowship with family, friends, and church members. Let us consider what true gifts we might offer to each other and God. Help us to know when it is our faith, patience, kind words, listening ear, or time that would be needed and appreciated. Most of all, let us anticipate the arrival of the Christ child. We make a place in our hearts and homes. Let us look ahead to the coming weeks of the Advent season with joy in our hearts and our steps. We will live each day in the light of Emmanuel, as we follow the path of peace.
Alive Now
From Alive Now, November/December 2004. Copyright © 2004 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this magazine.
Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Consider the new book, The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson, as a part of your Advent discipline this year. Purchase your copy today. Join Beth for daily conversation at unclutteredheart.org.
Today’s Question
What are you anticipating in the coming Advent season? Share your hopes.
Today’s Scripture Reading
May the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for an “attitude of gratitude” — all year long. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Advent Top 10. Advent begins this coming Sunday. Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Advent.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember John Knox (November 24).
- Lectionary Readings:
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November 24th, 2009 at 4:23 am
My hope for this advent season is to wait in peace, joy and love for the baby Jesus. It is a silent anticipation that drowns out the blare of commercial Christmas and welcomes the simple things- lighting the Advent wreath, homemade cards and gifts, listening to Christmas Carols and attending special events at church.
November 24th, 2009 at 5:45 am
I haven’t even yet begun to think about the Christmas season. I am still trying to figure out where November went. With many thoughts of Thanksgiving, I hope to carry a grateful heart on into Advent. To realize how much the gift of God’s presence means in my life – and to reconsider the “gifts” I give to others. To realize the power of my words – and to make sure that it is a positive power, not a critical power. To have the patience to spend time, realizing how significant that is to me – and to be willing to offer it.
Father – help me to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, buried in my lists – but rather, grant me serenity and an awareness of time – and how to glorify You through that.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:50 am
My hope and prayer remains the same from day to day; it just goes on steroids during Advent.
Come, Lord Jesus. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Blow the winds of revival through this tired, hungry world, Lord, and please, Jesus, let me be your hands and feet in the offing.
Peace on earth. God’s own sacred, holy, unending peace.
Amen.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:12 am
To pray my way through the holiday–what a treat! This is my anticipation which will be new. I have an advent wreath, I’ve attended church but haven’t gone beyond that for Advent. Would like to do more this year. Seems to be the spiritual getting ready that requires intention. Just read the Advent Top 10 and in that site there are other ideas that I’ll try.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:42 am
My hope for the advent season is that I can keep focused on the real reason for the season.I hope to step back from all the craziness and strengthen my walk with the ONE who has blessed me so greatly.
My hope also is that I can help others to do the same.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Well said Ann
My hope for the season is to have peace in my home and to truly understand that the birth of Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I am hoping this year to rest and celebrate the reason for Advent and Christmas, our Lord Jesus Christ. It seems every year I get caught up in the commercialism and general craziness of the season instead of focusing where I should. This year my wife and I are determined not to go nuts with all the shopping but to focus on our relationship with God and His son.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I anticipate a reconciliation with my son and his young family. What a joyous occurrence that can be.
November 24th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
As computer people say, “Garbage in, Garbage out.” As the Bible says, “As a man soweth, so shall he reap.” I anticipate putting in some time and effort to get closer to God. Saying openly, “No, I am not doing that this year.” and “let’s pray.” Hanging on the the promise of “Seek and ye shall find,” I plan to seek with all my heart. I can hardly wait to see what God is going to share with me.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I hope that everyone this thanksgiving will have a wonderful one and the holidays to come. I hope the homeless will have shelter and food. God Bless everyone……Amen!