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. (Isaiah 9:6 NRSV)
So it's not quite December yet, give it a few hours, but today is the day when Christians of many traditions begin to look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ with the Christmas holiday. It's the first Sunday of Advent. During Advent the focus of Christian tradition is twofold. First we wait in anticipation of the commemoration of the Incarnation which we celebrate on Christmas, but we also focus on being ready for the second Advent, hopeful for the return of Christ to the world.
I have many memories of Advent from growing up. My family gathered around an Advent wreath every night reading devotions, looking up Bible verses, and singing Christmas songs as my younger sister and I took turns lighting the candles. Not observing this custom in recent years has left me feeling somewhat empty throughout the holidays, so I'm really looking forward to returning to the practice this year.
As we move through the Advent season peace and reconciliation are going to be on my mind a lot. We've all seen the consequences of violence, discrimination, and hatred sprawled across our tv screens in recent days and weeks, and for me it's only natural to turn to Him named as the Prince of Peace for help. I invite you all to join me in making these central themes of your spiritual discipline this season and I ask God's blessing on all of us as we make our way through the next four weeks.
JOYS AND THANKSGIVINGS:
--My uncle Greg got some good news this week as full body scans revealed no further cancer in his body. He still has a spot in his brain that needs to be dealt with, but his doctors seem to be cautiously optimistic that this can be done.
--For those who will be taking time out of their own lives and holiday celebrations to serve the poor and needy in this season of so much abundance, yet so much need.
--For the blessings that most of us receive day in and day out, things that we can easily take for granted: food, shelter, heat, electricity, health, and safety.
--For this season of Advent, when we can work to make ourselves more like the man whose birth we celebrate and whose return we hope for.
CONCERNS AND PETITIONS:
--For the people of Ferguson, Missouri and those affected by the events in that community, that the people and the police can work together toward meaningful reconciliation, reform, and healing in that deeply scarred place.
--For those people who still feel the sting and injury of discrimination based on race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, or any other facet of their life.
--For all of us in community around our town, state, nation, and world, that we can work together to end these types of discrimination and violence, eventually bringing out healing and the peace of Christ.
--For men and women in the armed forces who will not be spending the holidays with family this year.
--For those observing the disciplines of Advent, that it may bring joy and meaning to their lives.
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR: We ask that your Holy Spirit move among each and every one of us throughout the holiday season, showing us ways to better ourselves and the world around us. Help us to live the principles of your Kingdom, as modeled by Christ, throughout Christmas and the days beyond.
MIGHTY GOD: We ask that you give us hearts for worship, hearts for you alone during this season of Advent. Help us see the paradox of the Creator of the Universe being born into our broken and damaged world in a simple, dirty stable to a young and bewildered couple.
EVERLASTING FATHER: Draw us closer to your side as we wait in joyful hope to celebrate the birth of your son. Give us comfort when sad, guidance when directionless, and grace and forgiveness when we fall short of the ideal in which you call us to live.
PRINCE OF PEACE: Bring your peace and healing to all who are torn by violence, discrimination, hate, and war. Help us as your children to work tirelessly in your name to bring about this peace and your Kingdom.
We ask all these things in the name of JESUS CHRIST, who taught us to pray:
OUR FATHER who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
A-men.
No comments:
Post a Comment