Image by 'smil via FlickrThe start of a new year symbolizes new beginnings. Opening up a new calendar fills me with can-do energy and is like a fresh warm breeze in my soul.I cling to God’s promise in Isaiah: Behold I will do a new thing - Isaiah 43:19 Here are some of my random ponderings this week:· I plan to reread my journal, reflecting on the past year’s life lessons and praying for guidance where to spend my time and energy in the coming year.· I read on many blogs, that others chose one word or several words as themes. Though this hasn’t worked as effectively for me in the past I want to try it again. I sense the word: BECOMING and LIVING GRATEFULLY for 2012’s focus. I am also slowly hearing the word: WAIT. Perhaps because I have a tendency to rush into decisions, God is reminding me to listen first.· Certain questions arise in my heart: What should I say yes to in 2012 and what should I say no to? What should I eliminate in order to grow? To become? Are my … [Read more...]
Switching from Christmas to New Years Mode
Switching from Christmas to New Years ModeSome of us are still celebrating with family.Some of us are already packing away all the holiday decorations.Some of us are still on vacation mode not quite ready to go back to work.Some of us, pastors, law enforcement, EMT’S, nurses, never got the day off. (Thank you!)But we all can look at the calendar and see 2011 quickly ending and December almost gone.I have a guest blog over at my friend and fellow Christian blogger, Phather Phil. Please check out his wonderful blog.Found this great song by Matthew West that seemed very appropriate for this week of in-betweeness. Here are the lyrics to enjoy while you listen to the videos"Day After Christmas"Here comes the letdown Christmas is overHere comes the meltdown, there goes the cheerBut before we have a breakdown, let us rememberThe light of the world is still hereHappy day after ChristmasAnd merry rest of the yearEven when Christmas is overThe light of the world is still hereThe light of the … [Read more...]
Christmas Treasure – Lectio Divina
Image via Wikipedia And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen … [Read more...]
Christmas Eve Prayer – Henri Nouwen
Image via WikipediaLord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!" Henri J. M. Nouwen … [Read more...]
Themes of Advent – Emmanuel
Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The last few weeks I have been posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of AdventEmmanuelChristmas “should” be a joyous time.We are supposed to look forward to all the get togethers.Our expectation is peace on earth and within our hearts.Then why am I sad? I feel a shroud of melancholy over my shoulders as Christmas approaches.This time of year does bring lots of smiles, joys, sharing and celebrating.But the holidays also come loaded with negative feelings.I am missing those no longer with us.My parents died a number of years ago, but still the child within me wants to be with them during this season.Many of you may remember I lost my 991/2-year-old best friend last May. I pass Esther’s house and think I should stop and go in for a visit. But she is not there any … [Read more...]
The Colors of Advent – White
Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I have been posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent and will finish this series on Thursday.WhiteMany churches light an Advert wreath during this time of expectation before Christmas. In my church we light the next candle during the children’s sermon, telling the story of each week.The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. In the center of the wreath shines the white Christ candle. Usually this candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with all five candles … [Read more...]
God Never Fails – Lectio Divina
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Christmas Quote – The All of Christmas
Image by paparutzi via FlickrGod grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; The warmth of Christmas, which is love;The radiance of Christmas, which is purity;The righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;The belief in Christmas, which is truth;The all of Christmas, which is Christ. --Wilda English … [Read more...]