Advent, Day Twelve of the Christmas Season
Today is the feast of the Baptism of Jesus, a dark and rainy day. At the [Lourdes] grotto, everything speaks of water-the rushing Gave River, the drizzling rain from the cloudy sky...
I want to be purified... I go to the baths. There, two men instruct me to undress. They wrap a blue apron around my waist, ask me to concentrate on what intercessions I want to ask of Mary, then lead me into the bath and immerse me in the ice-code water. When I stand again, they pray the Hail Mary and give me a cup of water from the spring... Still shivering and wet, I put my clothes back on, go back to the grotto and pray. Looking up at the statue, I read the words: "I am the Immaculate Conception," and I understand. The people of Israel led through the Red Sea; Jesus was baptized in the Jordan; someone poured water over my head shortly after I was born. Blessed are the pure of heart; they shall see God.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Jesus and Mary: Finding Our Sacred Center, pg 34-36
Scripture:
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Monday, January 5, 2026
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Advent, Day Eleven of Christmas Season
Advent, Day Eleven of Christmas Season
The world likes things to be large, big impressive and elaborate. God chooses the small things which are overlooked in the big world. Andrew's remark, "five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that among so many?" captures well the mentality of a calculating mind. It sounds as if he says to Jesus, "Can't you count? Five loaves and two fish are simply not enough." But for Jesus they were enough... Jesus distributed the loaves and the fish "as much as they wanted.."... There is enough, plenty even, for everyone--there are even many leftovers. Here a great mystery becomes visible. What little knowledge we are called to live our lives. The little love we have, the little knowledge we have, the little advice we have, the little possessions we have, are given to us as gifts of God to be given away. The more we give them away, the more we discover how much there is give away.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey, pg 170-171
Scripture:
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. John 6:8-11
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Book of Common Prayer
THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-
WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-
The world likes things to be large, big impressive and elaborate. God chooses the small things which are overlooked in the big world. Andrew's remark, "five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that among so many?" captures well the mentality of a calculating mind. It sounds as if he says to Jesus, "Can't you count? Five loaves and two fish are simply not enough." But for Jesus they were enough... Jesus distributed the loaves and the fish "as much as they wanted.."... There is enough, plenty even, for everyone--there are even many leftovers. Here a great mystery becomes visible. What little knowledge we are called to live our lives. The little love we have, the little knowledge we have, the little advice we have, the little possessions we have, are given to us as gifts of God to be given away. The more we give them away, the more we discover how much there is give away.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey, pg 170-171
Scripture:
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. John 6:8-11
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Book of Common Prayer
The
Collect.
ALMIGHTY
God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant
that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-
WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Advent, Day Ten of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Ten of the Christmas Season
In order to become like the Father, I must be as generous as the Father is generous... Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love. But these steps, certainly at first, are hard to take because there are so many emotions and feelings that hold me back from freely giving. Why should I give energy, time, money, and yes, even attention to someone who has offended me?....
Still...the truth is that in a spiritual sense, the one who has offended me belongs to my "kin", my "gen." The word "generosity" includes the term "gen" which we also find in the words "gender," "generation," and "generativity." This term, from the Latin genus and the Greek genos, refers to our being of one kind. Generosity is a giving that comes from the knowledge of that intimate bond. True generosity is acting on the truth--not the feeling--that those I am asked to forgive are "kinfolk," and belong to my family.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son, pg 131-132
Scripture:
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
Psalm 37:7-9, 16, 21
In order to become like the Father, I must be as generous as the Father is generous... Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love. But these steps, certainly at first, are hard to take because there are so many emotions and feelings that hold me back from freely giving. Why should I give energy, time, money, and yes, even attention to someone who has offended me?....
Still...the truth is that in a spiritual sense, the one who has offended me belongs to my "kin", my "gen." The word "generosity" includes the term "gen" which we also find in the words "gender," "generation," and "generativity." This term, from the Latin genus and the Greek genos, refers to our being of one kind. Generosity is a giving that comes from the knowledge of that intimate bond. True generosity is acting on the truth--not the feeling--that those I am asked to forgive are "kinfolk," and belong to my family.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son, pg 131-132
Scripture:
7 Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
than the wealth of many wicked;
but the righteous give generously;
Psalm 37:7-9, 16, 21
Friday, January 2, 2026
Advent, Day Nine of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Nine of the Christmas Season
Fear and hostility are not limited to our encounters with burglars, drug addicts or strangely behaving types. In a world so pervaded with competition, even those who are very close to each other, such as classmates, teammates, colleagues in work, can become infected by fear and hostility when they experience each other as a threat to their intellectual or professional safety. Many places that are created to bring people closer together and help them form a peaceful community have degenerated into mental battlefields. Students in classrooms, teachers in faculty meetings, staff members in hospitals and coworkers in projects often find themselves paralyzed by mutual hostility, unable to realize their purpose because of fear, suspicion, and even blatant aggression.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 49
Scripture:
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Fear and hostility are not limited to our encounters with burglars, drug addicts or strangely behaving types. In a world so pervaded with competition, even those who are very close to each other, such as classmates, teammates, colleagues in work, can become infected by fear and hostility when they experience each other as a threat to their intellectual or professional safety. Many places that are created to bring people closer together and help them form a peaceful community have degenerated into mental battlefields. Students in classrooms, teachers in faculty meetings, staff members in hospitals and coworkers in projects often find themselves paralyzed by mutual hostility, unable to realize their purpose because of fear, suspicion, and even blatant aggression.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 49
Scripture:
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Advent, Day Eight of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Eight of the Christmas Season
Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of complaint. I can choose to be grateful when I am criticized, even when my heart in bitterness. I can choose to speak about goodness and beauty even when my inner eye still looks for someone to accuse or something to call ugly. I can choose to listen to the voices that forgive and to look at the faces that smile, even while I still hear words of revenge and see grimaces of hatred.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, pg 85
Scripture:
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
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Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of complaint. I can choose to be grateful when I am criticized, even when my heart in bitterness. I can choose to speak about goodness and beauty even when my inner eye still looks for someone to accuse or something to call ugly. I can choose to listen to the voices that forgive and to look at the faces that smile, even while I still hear words of revenge and see grimaces of hatred.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, pg 85
Scripture:
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
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Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Advent, Day Seven of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Seven of the Christmas Season
Every time I try to meditate on a sacred event such as this [the Presentation at the Temple], I find myself tempted to think about it in an intellectual way. But today I realized more strongly than ever before that I simply have to be there. I have to travel with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem, walk with them on the busy temple square, join the thousands of simple people in offering their simple gifts...and listen to two unknown old people who have something to say, something that sounds very strange and even frightening. Why do we want more?... But the story is so simple, so crystal clear, so unpretentious. I do not have to do anything with it. I do not have to explain or examine these events. I simply have to step into them and allow them to surround me.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 128
Scripture:
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:22, 25-32
Every time I try to meditate on a sacred event such as this [the Presentation at the Temple], I find myself tempted to think about it in an intellectual way. But today I realized more strongly than ever before that I simply have to be there. I have to travel with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem, walk with them on the busy temple square, join the thousands of simple people in offering their simple gifts...and listen to two unknown old people who have something to say, something that sounds very strange and even frightening. Why do we want more?... But the story is so simple, so crystal clear, so unpretentious. I do not have to do anything with it. I do not have to explain or examine these events. I simply have to step into them and allow them to surround me.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 128
Scripture:
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Luke 2:22, 25-32
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Advent, Day Six of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Six of the Christmas Season
Becoming a child [of God] is living the Beatitudes and so finding the narrow gate into the Kingdom... Isn't the little child poor, gentle, and pure of heart? Isn't the little child the peacemaker hungry and thirsty for uprightness and the final victim of persecution? And what of Jesus himself, the Word of God who became flesh, dwelt for nine months in Mary's womb, and came into this world as a little child worshipped by shepherds from close by and by wisemen from far away? The eternal Son became a child so that I might become a child again and so reenter with him into the Kingdom of the Father.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, pg 54-55
Scripture:
20 Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.Luke 6:20-21
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Becoming a child [of God] is living the Beatitudes and so finding the narrow gate into the Kingdom... Isn't the little child poor, gentle, and pure of heart? Isn't the little child the peacemaker hungry and thirsty for uprightness and the final victim of persecution? And what of Jesus himself, the Word of God who became flesh, dwelt for nine months in Mary's womb, and came into this world as a little child worshipped by shepherds from close by and by wisemen from far away? The eternal Son became a child so that I might become a child again and so reenter with him into the Kingdom of the Father.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, pg 54-55
Scripture:
20 Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.Luke 6:20-21
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Monday, December 29, 2025
Advent, Day Five of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Five of the Christmas Season
True ministry goes far beyond the giving of gifts. It requires the giving of self. That is the way of him who did not cling to his privileges, but emptied himself to share our struggles. When God's way becomes known to us, and practiced by us, hope emerges...
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 85
Scripture:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11
True ministry goes far beyond the giving of gifts. It requires the giving of self. That is the way of him who did not cling to his privileges, but emptied himself to share our struggles. When God's way becomes known to us, and practiced by us, hope emerges...
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 85
Scripture:
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Advent, Day Four of Christmas Season
Advent, Day Four of Christmas Season
A friend once wrote: "Learning to weep, learning to keep vigil, learning to wait for the dawn. Perhaps this is what it means to be human." It is hard to really believe this because we constantly find ourselves clinging to people, books, events, experiences, projects and plans, secretly hoping that this time it will be different... The few times, however, that we do obey our severe masters and listen carefully to our restless hearts, we may start to sense that in the midst of our sadness, there is joy, that in the midst of our fears there is peace, that in the midst of our greediness there is the possibility of compassion.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 24
Scripture:
4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12
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Book of Common Prayer
A friend once wrote: "Learning to weep, learning to keep vigil, learning to wait for the dawn. Perhaps this is what it means to be human." It is hard to really believe this because we constantly find ourselves clinging to people, books, events, experiences, projects and plans, secretly hoping that this time it will be different... The few times, however, that we do obey our severe masters and listen carefully to our restless hearts, we may start to sense that in the midst of our sadness, there is joy, that in the midst of our fears there is peace, that in the midst of our greediness there is the possibility of compassion.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 24
Scripture:
4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Psalm 30:4-5, 11-12
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Book of Common Prayer
The
Collect.
ALMIGHTY
God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him,
and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we being regenerate,
and made thy children by adoption and grace. may daily be renewed by thy
Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth
with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
NOW
I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from
a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors
until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children,
were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness
of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under
the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive
time adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the
Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou
art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an. heir of God through
Christ. Galatians 4:1-
THE
birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused
to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the
Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing
to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But
while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared
unto him in a dream, saying. Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take
unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, arid thou shalt call his
name JESUS: for lie shall save his people from their sins. Now all this
was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the
prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring
forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted
is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel
of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not
till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew1:18-
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Advent, Day Three of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Three of the Christmas Season
It is not we who pray, but the Spirit of God who prays in us... When our hearts belong to God, the world and its powers cannot steal it from us. When God has become the Lord of our heart, our basic alienation is overcome...
When God has become our shepherd, our refuge, our fortress, when we can reach out to him in the midst of a broken world, and feel at home while still on the way. When God swells in us, we can enter in a wordless dialogue with him while still waiting on the day that he will lead us into the house where he has prepared a place for us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Reaching out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 106
Scripture:
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
It is not we who pray, but the Spirit of God who prays in us... When our hearts belong to God, the world and its powers cannot steal it from us. When God has become the Lord of our heart, our basic alienation is overcome...
When God has become our shepherd, our refuge, our fortress, when we can reach out to him in the midst of a broken world, and feel at home while still on the way. When God swells in us, we can enter in a wordless dialogue with him while still waiting on the day that he will lead us into the house where he has prepared a place for us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Reaching out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, pg 106
Scripture:
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7
Friday, December 26, 2025
Advent, Day Two of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day Two of the Christmas Season
There is a much more human option to reevaluate the past as a continuing challenge to surrender ourselves to an unknown future. It is the option to understand our experience of powerlessness as an experience of being guided, even when we do not know exactly where... We can see that a growing surrender to the unknown is a sign of spiritual maturity and does not take away autonomy. Death [of a loved one] is indeed an invitation to surrender ourselves more freely to the future, in the conviction that one of the most important parts of our lives may still be ahead of us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
A Letter of Consolation, pg 51-52
Scripture:
18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”. John 21:18
There is a much more human option to reevaluate the past as a continuing challenge to surrender ourselves to an unknown future. It is the option to understand our experience of powerlessness as an experience of being guided, even when we do not know exactly where... We can see that a growing surrender to the unknown is a sign of spiritual maturity and does not take away autonomy. Death [of a loved one] is indeed an invitation to surrender ourselves more freely to the future, in the conviction that one of the most important parts of our lives may still be ahead of us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
A Letter of Consolation, pg 51-52
Scripture:
18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”. John 21:18
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Advent, Day One of the Christmas Season
Advent, Day One of the Christmas Season
The conviction that Francis Avenue, on which Harvard Divinity School stands was named after St. Francis... I must have suppressed my inclination to verify this conviction out of fear of being robbed of another illusion...
Names tell stories, most of all the names which is above all other names, the name of Jesus. In his name I am called to live. His name has to become my house, my dwelling place, my refuge, my ark. His name has to start telling the story of being born, growing up, growing old and dying--revealing a God who loved us so much that he sent his only child to us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journal, pg 60
Scripture:
15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. Luke 21:15-18
===
The conviction that Francis Avenue, on which Harvard Divinity School stands was named after St. Francis... I must have suppressed my inclination to verify this conviction out of fear of being robbed of another illusion...
Names tell stories, most of all the names which is above all other names, the name of Jesus. In his name I am called to live. His name has to become my house, my dwelling place, my refuge, my ark. His name has to start telling the story of being born, growing up, growing old and dying--revealing a God who loved us so much that he sent his only child to us.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journal, pg 60
Scripture:
15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. Luke 21:15-18
===
Prayer
A Prayer for Christmas Morning
Every person who takes breath throughout the earth is invited to pause and celebrate You, Jesus, God’s Son incarnate. You left your throne in heaven and chose to come to earth and take on human form. You set aside your limitless magnificence and chose to live the life of a servant.
Yet, You were not just any servant – You chose to serve sinful people in need of a Savior. You humbled yourself entirely, obeyed God completely, and allowed Yourself to die for the sins of all people – for my sins – so that I could now enter the heavenly home that you left. Breathtaking! Thank you, Jesus.
Help me this morning, and all throughout the day, to embrace the amazing love You have for me. I will quiet my heart and mind before You to think about that love. You demonstrated Your love by being born in a humble stable, living a sinless life and offering Yourself as the perfect sacrifice.
What a gift You have given to me, to my loved ones, to the world! Jesus, You are my gift this Christmas morning. Help me to focus on Your gift of love more than anything else I might receive today. Help me to remind my family, my friends, and all with whom I will be celebrating that this day, Christmas day, is a gift of love like no other.
My heart celebrates the gift of You this morning.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
Scripture
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty-Five
Advent, Day Twenty-Five
Somehow I realized that songs, music, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and many sweet words do not make Christmas. Christmas is saying "yes" to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying "yes" to a hope based on God's initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God's work and not mine. Things will never look just right or feel just right. If they did, someone would be lying... But it is into this broken world that a child is born who is call Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, Savior.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey, pg 50
Scripture:
Somehow I realized that songs, music, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and many sweet words do not make Christmas. Christmas is saying "yes" to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying "yes" to a hope based on God's initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God's work and not mine. Things will never look just right or feel just right. If they did, someone would be lying... But it is into this broken world that a child is born who is call Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, Savior.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey, pg 50
Scripture:
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and
she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for
them. Luke 2:1-7
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Joy
I come before You today and thank You, Jesus that You brought good news of great joy. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You that I've been ransomed and rescued by the price of Your blood on the cross. Thank You for unfailing and unconditional love. You are the God of Hope and Your love never fails. My joy is formed in You, Jesus.
Help protect my heart, don't allow the things of this world to rob me of the joy of my salvation. Forgive me for the times I've allowed people and circumstances to suck the joy and peace out of my life. Fill me with the joy of Your presence today knowing that I'm a child of the King and that the Spirit of the Living God dwells in me.
Help me to trust You in every area of my life today. Through my words and actions, may they reflect the delight that comes only from following you. May those around me experience the joy of knowing you. I love You, I trust You, I praise You, I adore You.
Scripture
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty-Four
Advent, Day Twenty-Four
God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles, but moving towards the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey. The God of Love who gave us life sent us his only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but always can trust that he walks with us...
Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and let him--whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend--be our companion.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 82
Scripture:
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:32-33
===
God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles, but moving towards the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey. The God of Love who gave us life sent us his only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but always can trust that he walks with us...
Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and let him--whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend--be our companion.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Gracias! A Latin American Journal, pg 82
Scripture:
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:32-33
===
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for a Good Conversation
Lord,
Thank you for the gift and encouragement of a friend. I needed those sweet, healing, powerful words to wash over my heart today. No matter what else today holds, I pray that those words of truth stay at the forefront of my mind.
I am imperfect and I admit I don't always get it right, but I am asking for Your help today, Jesus. I pray that today my words would be a breath of fresh air to the people I come in contact with. Help me to speak honest, wise, hopeful words over others. As I have been blessed, may I now go and bless others. Amen
Scripture
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
Monday, December 22, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty-Three
Advent, Day Twenty-Three
In forgiving we are still in control, "I forgive you." But to be forgiven by you means first of all I have to say, "I'm sorry. There is something that I didn't do for you." That is hard and puts me in a vulnerable position, in a dependent position. I have handed you over to suffering... Somehow I have failed you. I am sorry I failed you. I am sorry that I wasn't the kind of mother or father or friend or brother or sister or neighbor, whatever that I wanted to be. Can you forgive me? It is not just asking the individual. It is having the ability to say, "God, can you forgive me?" Can I be open to forgiveness? Then your heart can move from the hardened heart to a heart of flesh.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discover Our Gift Through Service to Others
Speech given to Members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
=====
In forgiving we are still in control, "I forgive you." But to be forgiven by you means first of all I have to say, "I'm sorry. There is something that I didn't do for you." That is hard and puts me in a vulnerable position, in a dependent position. I have handed you over to suffering... Somehow I have failed you. I am sorry I failed you. I am sorry that I wasn't the kind of mother or father or friend or brother or sister or neighbor, whatever that I wanted to be. Can you forgive me? It is not just asking the individual. It is having the ability to say, "God, can you forgive me?" Can I be open to forgiveness? Then your heart can move from the hardened heart to a heart of flesh.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discover Our Gift Through Service to Others
Speech given to Members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”Luke 17:3-4=====
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Peacemaking
Our Lord Jesus,
As
you have forgiven me, help me to forgive another. As you have brought
peace to our world through Your blood, may I seek that peace and
reconciliation in all that I do, even when it costs me.
Give
me humility that chooses not to fight or to defend, but to relate. Give
me a heart ready to engage and encounter instead of hiding or
resisting. Give me the courage to love, to reach out, and the resilience
to never give up.
Give me peace, Your peace,
which the world cannot give. May it lead us to be One, as You and the
Father are One. And may I bring You glory as I seek this peace always.
Amen.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9
Scripture
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty-Two
Advent, Day Twenty-Two
Parker Palmer, a spiritual writer of the Quaker tradition, says community is the place where the person you least wanted to live with always lives. So community is not like a place you love each other sort of freely and warmly and affectionately. Community is in fact the place where you are purified, where your love is tested, where your childhood of God is constantly put through the mill of human relationships. That is what community is. Community is a place where Judas always is and sometimes it is just you.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discover Our Gift Through Service to Others
Speech given to Members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
====
Book of Common Prayer
Parker Palmer, a spiritual writer of the Quaker tradition, says community is the place where the person you least wanted to live with always lives. So community is not like a place you love each other sort of freely and warmly and affectionately. Community is in fact the place where you are purified, where your love is tested, where your childhood of God is constantly put through the mill of human relationships. That is what community is. Community is a place where Judas always is and sometimes it is just you.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discover Our Gift Through Service to Others
Speech given to Members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.2 These
are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called
Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother
John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Matthew 10:1-4====
Book of Common Prayer
The
Collect.
O
LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great
might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are
sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful
grace and mercy may speedily help and 'deliver us; through the satisfaction
of thy Son our Lord*, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour
and glory, world with out end. Amen.
REJOICE
in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known
unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every
thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all under standing,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4
THIS
is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem
to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed,
I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And
he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said
they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent
us, What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying
in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet
Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked
him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ,
nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize
with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it
is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I
am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan,
where John was baptizing. John 1:19-
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer to Love All
Oh, Father, You are love itself and You have loved me with an everlasting love.
There is nothing that can separate me from Your love when I am in Christ. You have called me Your beloved child and You have given me an example to follow as I walk in the way of Your love.
Show me that way, Father. Teach me, Jesus, to walk in love – to be patient and kind. Keep me from envy, boasting, pride and selfishness. Make me slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Remind me to protect, to trust, to hope, and to persevere. Forgive me when I fail at this, Lord, as I am an insufficient vessel on my own. Remind me often that the power to love like You comes only from Your Holy Spirit in me.
I need You, Holy Spirit, to inspire, encourage and enable me to love in this counter-intuitive, refreshing, sacrificial way. Bring glory to Your name by helping me to love all – without hesitation, without qualifiers or requirements.
Let me love the weak and the strong, the rich and the poor, my friends, my enemies, and those who are far from You. Make me merciful and kind, compassionate, and attentive.
Help me to be less consumed with my own agenda and more open to interruption so that I may love with presence - as You did for all of humanity and still do for me each day.
Let me see Your Image in every human being with eyes that reflect only Your love. Let me be the embodiment of the love of Jesus to all those who cross my path so that in me they may see and be pointed to You. Amen.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments … are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. - Romans 13:8-10
Scripture
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:9-12
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty-One
Advent, Day Twenty-One
Quite often out of an intimate encounter with God encounters with other human beings become possible... If you are the beloved of God, if you start thinking about other people's lives, you start realizing that they are as beloved as you are. Once of the profound experiences of the spiritual life is that when you discover yourself as being the beloved son or daughter of God, you suddenly have new eyes to see the belovedness of other people.
It is very interesting because it is the opposite of what happens in the world when they say you are very special, that means you are not the same as the rest. If you win an award and they say you are different than others, then that award is valuable because not everybody gets that award. The world is saying that you are only the best when not everybody else is the best.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discovering Our Gift Through Service To Others
Speech given to members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:33-35
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Washing the Dishes
There is so much to be done. Would You meet me here in the middle of everything? I believe You can speak to me even while I go about my long list of tasks. I confess sometimes I hurry too much and ignore the help You’d like to give me. You have my attention. I admit that in this season of busyness, I forget to listen for Your voice.
I’m listening now. What obstacles are between me and You? Open my eyes. I don’t want to be like the Pharisees, who only clean the outside of the dish when the inside is filthy. I need to start with the inside, with my own heart. Is there anything in me You’d like to wash out? What areas of my life are soiled by sin?
I’ll be quiet for a moment and listen for Your kind voice, the Voice of truth. Create in me a clean heart, oh God. Give me a calm and quiet spirit that is ready to hear from You every moment. Give me courage to hear Your truth and trust in Your forgiveness, grace, and lovingkindness. For You are good, Father. So good.
I’m washing these dishes because You’ve provided me with food, clean water, and shelter. I’m washing these dishes because my body is healthy and able to do so. Your gifts to me are amazing! I pray now for those who don’t have all these gifts. Lord, please bless and provide for them.
Show me how I can bless and give to them out of the abundance You’ve given me. Thank You for giving Your Son to make a way. I am undone by You, God. That I am able to have an intimate conversation with the God of the Universe while I wash dishes, I am in awe of Who You are, and how much You love me! Amen.
Scripture
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
Matthew 2:7-8
Friday, December 19, 2025
Advent, Day Twenty
Advent, Day Twenty
Jesus' whole message is to say that you are God's beloved child... When you can hear in your heart, not in your head, that you are truely God's beloved daughter, that you are truly God's beloved son, everything turns around. They mystery of this spiritual truth is that you were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die... Your dwelling in God's heart is a dwelling from eternity to eternity.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discovering Our Gift Through Service to Others,
Speech given to members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the Lord called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
Isaiah 49:1-2
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
Jeremiah 1:4-5
====
Jesus' whole message is to say that you are God's beloved child... When you can hear in your heart, not in your head, that you are truely God's beloved daughter, that you are truly God's beloved son, everything turns around. They mystery of this spiritual truth is that you were loved before you were born, and you will be loved after you die... Your dwelling in God's heart is a dwelling from eternity to eternity.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discovering Our Gift Through Service to Others,
Speech given to members of FADICA, 1994
Scripture:
Listen to me, you islands;
hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the Lord called me;
from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
Isaiah 49:1-2
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
====
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Rest
Oh Lord, I am tired and weary. My bones, my heart, my spirit aches. I am so tired and yet I cannot rest. My mind races with worries and troubles. I can’t seem to get any relief. I need You.
Come now and take these burdens off of my shoulders. Relieve me from fear, anxiety, despair. Fill me with Your peace, a peace that settles into the cracks of my heart.
I take a deep breath and remember that You are the God that created me, that put air into my lungs. You are good and You are still in control. Guide me, comfort me, protect me. Help me now to rest in Your presence. Amen.
Scripture
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.
Matthew 2:3-6
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Advent, Day Nineteen
Advent, Day Nineteen
Pere Thomas keeps tellings us in his sermons that the days before Christmas must be days of deep prayer to prepare our hearts for the coming Christ. We must be really ready to receive him. Christ wants to be born in us, but we must be open, willing receptive, and truely welcoming. To become that we we have Advent and especiallhy the last days before Christmas...
This morning I thought the day was completely free and open for prayer. Now it is evening , and I don't know where the time went. Somehow the externals of Christmas-presents, decorations, short visits--took over the day and drained away like water through a poorly built dike. How hard is it to remember...the difference between the urgent and the important!
Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey, pg 103
Scripture:
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[a] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:22-23
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Healing
You are the ultimate healer and redeemer. You take broken pieces and put them back together for Your glory. God, I humbly ask that You take the brokenness in my own life and heal me.
You know the cries of my heart - the pain, the burdens, the questions I have. Please intervene. When I feel hopeless, be my confidence. When I feel weary, be my strength.
When I feel anxious, be my peace. When I feel lost, be my guide. God, I can’t do this without You. I don’t want to do this without You. Come in close. Help me to feel Your presence here now in this moment. Amen.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
Scripture
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Advent, Day Eighteen
Advent, Day Eighteen
One of the greatest ironies of the history of Christianity is that its leaders constantly gave in to the temptation of power--political power, military power, economic power, or moral and spiritual power--even though they continued to speak in the name of Jesus, who did not cling to his divine power, but emptied himself and became as we are. The temptation to consider power an apt instrument for the proclamation of the Gospel is the greatest of all...With this rationalization, crusades took place; inquisitions were organized; Indians were enslaved; positions of great influence were desired. Every time we see a major crisis in the history of the Church...we always see that a major cause of rupture is the power exercised by those who claim to be followers of the poor and powerless Jesus.
What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, pg 58-59
Scripture:
One of the greatest ironies of the history of Christianity is that its leaders constantly gave in to the temptation of power--political power, military power, economic power, or moral and spiritual power--even though they continued to speak in the name of Jesus, who did not cling to his divine power, but emptied himself and became as we are. The temptation to consider power an apt instrument for the proclamation of the Gospel is the greatest of all...With this rationalization, crusades took place; inquisitions were organized; Indians were enslaved; positions of great influence were desired. Every time we see a major crisis in the history of the Church...we always see that a major cause of rupture is the power exercised by those who claim to be followers of the poor and powerless Jesus.
What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, pg 58-59
Scripture:
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!Philippians 2:4-8
First Presbyterian Church Advent - 2020
Prayer
A Prayer for Hope
Help me Oh Lord to put my hope in Your word not the empty promises of the world. Only You can quiet a storm with Your voice. Only You can conquer the grave and death itself. Only You can heal wounds and broken relationships.
Only You can push back darkness with Your light. Only You, God. In a world that feels hopeless and beyond repair You are my hope. I can trust in Your promises and steadfastness. Amen.
Scripture
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:19-20
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