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When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
Stephen Handy | Read Psalm 19:1-6
Shhh! Be quiet! Silence is speaking! As odd as it sounds, words can get in the way of hearing. We live in a culture where speaking is the preferred method of communication. David, the prophet, military strategist, and, in this psalm, music director tells his audience to listen to the...
God of creation and holiness, give us insight to understand what it is to share in your glory on earth as it is in heaven. Immerse us in patterns of deep silence so we can be vessels that connect to the heavenly horizons and the faithful foundations on the earth. Amen.
These readings offer a common theme: God offers wisdom to the Israelites in order that they may be a people of obedience. As the Israelites continuously deny God, God’s wisdom pursues them in a quiet but gentle way to keep them on the path of righteousness. God shows them signposts so that there is always graceful guidance to keep them focused on the pathway ahead. James reminds his readers that the tongue is both a giver and destroyer of life. When using words, use them wisely, so that God may be honored and people may be healed.
Read Proverbs 1:20-33. When have you neglected God’s wisdom? What caused your neglect? What will it take to wait and reconnect to God’s wisdom?
Read Psalm 19:1-14. What gets in the way of hearing God even in the silence of your day? In the midst of competing noises, how can you learn to appreciate the silence so that God can speak?
Read James 3:1-12. How do you deprogram your mind, heart, and soul to listen and not talk so much? How do you create a practice of living out of the anatomy of two ears and one mouth versus talking twice as much as you listen?
Read Mark 8:27-38. Who is Jesus for you? Do your words for Jesus align with your actions in the world? If Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, what behaviors in your life need to change to align with what comes from your mouth?
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