My dear friends, I have fallen behind on my posts and I am sorry for that. Honestly, I’ve been tired and seem to not get enough rest. It could be the changing of the seasons and a busy schedule. I am going to go ahead and share a few words as I read and meditate on the readings I hope you can follow along. It brings me great joy to share and comfort knowing that God is with each of us, no matter what small space we occupy around the world. I am so thankful for all my followers and the ability to share my faith with others.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” ~Isaiah 40:1-11
Advent is a season of preparation, preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. In the New Testament, we read that John the Baptist was also in preparation, as told in Luke 3:3, “He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
John preached more than just repentance but what some might call a radical idea of “reorientation of self.” He preached to not merely repent but to literally turn away from sin and turn to God. Advent is turn to the glory and majesty of the manager and away from our fallenness and brokenness to wholeness through Christ Jesus!
I often hear the phrase, “preparing our hearts, minds, etc. to receive Jesus” at this time of year. Jesus prepared the way to salvation over 2000 years ago, we must be open to the Holy Spirit leading us to the place of redemption and ask for forgiveness.
“If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:9
Prayer:
Lord, in a season of preparing, make it know to us that your love abounds even when we are focusing on everything except you. ~Amen.
~Peace & Hope~
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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