WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014

By Advent Meditations and Prayers 2014

Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 9: 8-17; Mark 1: 1-8

“Prepare the Way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 , 2014

By Advent Meditations and Prayers 2014

Psalm 146, 147; Isaiah 1: 1-9; Matthew 25: 1-13

Today, as we begin the Advent journey, our scriptures call us to listen and stay awake. Isaiah evokes the image of children estranged from their parent, rebelling against their upbringing. The image is as contemporary as it is timeless.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24 , 2014

By Advent Meditations and Prayers 2014

Psalm 45, 46; Isaiah 35: 1-110; Luke 1: 67-80

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked
favorably on his people and redeemed them.
–Luke 1:68

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 , 2014

By Advent Meditations and Prayers 2014

Psalm 1, 2, 3; Isaiah 1: 10-20; Luke 20: 1-8

It is easy to get wrapped up in the logistical preparation of Advent: get fresh candles for the Advent wreath, hang garland around the front door, decorate the Christmas tree, address and mail Christmas cards.

In all this running around, I am missing something deeper. How do I prepare my heart to turn toward Jesus?

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014

By Advent Meditations and Prayers 2014

Psalm 41, 52; Isaiah 8: 16-9: 1; Luke 22: 39-53

One of the hardest spiritual disciplines is to surrender control. Part of what makes it difficult is the discernment required to know when such surrender is what God requires. Think of the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.