Wednesday, December 24

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
• Psalm 89.2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29
• Luke 1.67-79

Today's Reflection:

"In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace." 

Certainly these are some of the loveliest words ever written! 

Christmas is here, and our greatest gift is that Jesus, the "dawn from on high," the bearer of the new covenant, has been born to overcome the darkness and bring peace. 

How grateful am I for this gift? Oh God, let me show my gratitude each and every day, and spread your light. 

Tuesday, December 23

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• Malachi 3.1-4, 23-24
• Psalm 25.4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14
• Luke 1.57-66

Today's Reflection:

It's one of those contradictions that can drive you crazy. "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear him" says the psalm.

Is the problem with the translation  of the word 'fear'? When we tremble at the idea of God, is it because we're afraid of his punishment? Or are we in awe of him in his glory?

I found an interesting article on the Hebrew word 'yirah' which has been translated into the English 'fear'.  It seems that there are three levels of yirah: dread, anxiety, and a profound reverence.

If you're interested in knowing more, you can click on: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Eikev/Yirah/yirah.html

 

Monday, December 22

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• 1 Samuel 1.24-28
• 1 Samuel 2.1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
• Luke 1.46-56

Today's Reflection:

Mary sings a great song. She is so obviously happy. The things she says are almost like a rap song.  What has God done? Let me tell you!  Mercy’s given all the time. His arm is strong. The proud are knocked off their high horse. He pulls folks out of the mud. Hungry are fed; the callous left out in the cold. But most of all He keeps his promises.  He loves us.

Sunday, December 21

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings:

• 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
• Psalm 89.2-3, 4-5, 27-29
• Romans 16.25-27
• Luke 1.26-38

Today's Reflection:

Paul completes his letter to the Romans by admitting that the knowledge of the one God was once a secret. Jesus’ coming opened up that information to the whole world. Our culture exposes lots of people’s private lives. We need to expose our life as believers. Don’t we shy away from telling that we believe? Let’s prepare for Christmas by resolving to admit we are celebrating the coming of the Savior. Sharing gifts, seeing family, good deeds are worthy things, but they are not the reason for the season.

Saturday, December 20

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• Isaiah 7.10-14
• Psalm 24.1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
• Luke 1.26-38

Today's Reflection:

Our thoughts of God are very human and small-minded.  It is the way that we think.  However, God has sent a sign to the world, and the sign is that the virgin will conceive and bear a son and name him Emmanuel.  This is the sign from God that our Savior is much bigger than we (in our human minds) can realize.  As Christmas approaches, let us try not to minimize God to something that we understand.  Let us ask for God-sized solutions to whatever is keeping us from Him.  Whether it is fear, anger, doubt, or anything else, God can give us the grace and the strength to live a very happy and blessed life with Him.

 

Friday, December 19

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• Judges 13.2-7, 24-25a
• Psalm 71.3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17
• Luke 1.5-25

Today's Reflection:

When the angel came to Zechariah to tell him that his wife would bear him a son, Zechariah was very skeptical.  He said, "How shall I know this?  For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years."  Do we not often look upon good news in a very skeptical manner?  Do we not also look at other people and see their faults?  Instead of being happy and looking for the good in people and situations, we look for the reasons it cannot be.  God is telling us that when he sends us good news, it will happen, regardless of our skepticism.  Should we also not look for the good in all people?  Just as it is hard to see how certain good things can happen to us, so also should we look to see the good in other people.  Don't sell other people short.  None of us know what God has planned for them.

Thursday, December 18

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Today's Readings:

• Jeremiah 23:5-8
• Psalm 72.1-2, 12-13, 18-19
• Matthew 1.18-25

Today's Reflection:

We are all governed by a justice system which has been created by humans.  God asked much more of Joseph than just what was human justice.  He asked Joseph to marry the Woman and raise the Child as his own, which was completely contrary to human justice at the time.  Human justice would have been to divorce her quietly.  When we encounter difficulties and difficult situations, should we not try to leave behind our human thinking, and instead ask, "What would God want me to do?"