Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 12/21/2019

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Winter Solstice 2019: The First Day of Winter

“The Winter Solstice is another profound moment of pause and turning in the great cycle of the year…One of the great gifts [of the season] is watching the sun make her pilgrimage across the horizon from summer solstice to winter solstice. It is quite a long journey, and on December 21st she will rest at her point furthest south, appearing to stand still for three days before making the return journey again in the long walk toward summer. It is a rhythm of journey, pause, and return, again and again.” *~Christine Valters Paintner*

2 Samuel 7:23-29

“Who is like your people, like Israel? Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them, by driving out before his people nations and their gods? And you established your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O Lord, became their God. And now, O Lord God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, “The Lord of hosts is God over Israel’; and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, “I will build you a house’; therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”

Wow, we are 4 days away from Christmas! Things are busy and bright, trees and packages all wrapped with pretty bows! People rushing to and fro, grabbing the last perfect gifts. It really is a wonderful time of the year. Christmas is especially merry and bright for believers, we look forward to the birth of Jesus, the manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the animals, the shepherds, the kings, the angels and the bright star…so many people and things that just reading the words ignites a vision in our minds. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving that each of these individuals heard the call from God and responded. In all the hustle and bustle of the season let us not forget to say “THANK YOU!” Thank you to God for sending Jesus, thanking Jesus for His sacrifice of being born in human form and to live among us, and to save us, the shepherds who listened and followed the star, the kings who travel far guided by the star and the gifts they brought, the Angels delivering messages/proclamations; Joseph who listened and followed the angels instructions, and Mary, who faithfully listened to the angels and humbly accepted the honor of carry the Christ child and enduring the ridicule of unbelievers, only trusting in God’s promises.

We also need to be mindful of the gifts we receive and of the gifts we give. May thankfulness and humility walk hand in hand through our responses this Christmas season. We may not receive the gifts we are most excited about, do not be dishearten remember the thoughtfulness of the person giving it to you. It’s gifts from the heart that truly mean the most, and trust me over time you will see that come to fruition. Celebrate the friendships, the caring, the respect and the love for one another, these are the most precious and priceless gifts we can give and receive.

I am sincerely appreciative of everyone who takes the time to read my blog posts. My intent is to share the love of God and hopefully some insight and humor from time to time. My life has been forever changed by this experience of sharing my thoughts with the world. I wish you all much happiness and love this Advent season, may the love of God ignite a flame 🔥 within your soul! I am thankful for each of you! ♥️

Prayer:

Lord, in the coming days there will be many distractions to draw us away from your majesty. We will be distracted by shiny objects and forget the promise you made to David, which is now being fulfilled through your Son. May your Spirit be made known to us so that we can magnify you and say thank you for the gift of your Son. ~Amen.

~Hope-Peace-Joy~

References:

https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/daily-nourishment-from-abbey-of-the-arts-may2-2228991?e=128ba1455f