Advent, Day Eleven

Advent, Day Eleven
Keep your eyes on the prince of peace, the one who doesn't cling to his divine power; the one who refuses to turn stones into bread, jump from great heights, and rule with great power ...; the one who touches the lame, the crippled, and the blind, the one who speaks words of forgiveness and encouragement... Keep your eyes on him who becomes poor with the poor, weak with the weak. He is the source of all peace.

Henri J.M. Nouwen
"Adam's Story," Weavings, March-April 1988

Scripture:
¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   Colossians 3:12-15

First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020

Prayer

 From the rising of the sun, every morning to the turning of the seasons every year Your grace and mercies offered each day humble me. I praise You for the simple blessings that surround me.

I glorify You for sustaining me through times of gladness and sorrow. I bless Your name for who You are and how You have created me. And as Your child, I ask you for Your blessing.

Elohim - Creator of the Universe, You have fearfully and wonderfully made me uniquely, as I am. Bless my mind with clarity and direction to do Your will. El Roi - The God Who Sees, You know my heart. You gave me the passions that move me.

Bless my heart to love as You have loved me and see others through Your eyes. Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will Provide, Use me as Your hands and feet on this earth. Bless my hands to offer mercy and grace as You have shown me over and over again.

Yahweh-Shalom - The Lord of Peace, You bring peace, unlike anything in this world. Bless my lips to speak life, and never to harm. El-Deah - God of Knowledge, How deep is Your wisdom and trustworthy Your decisions!

Bless my work to honor You. May I join alongside the ministry of reconciling this world back to You. For You, alone, are good, gracious, and sovereign. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Scripture

 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Luke 1:46-56