Advent Prayer, Day 25: Come Lord JesusWednesday December 23, 2009
Categories: Advent, Advent Prayer, Bible, Jesus, Prayer
By Claudia Mair Burney
The fourth Wednesday of Advent
"The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to her son; and when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had lavished on her his faithful love, they shared her joy." Luke 1:57-58 (NJB)
Elizabeth was once a barren woman, but her hope had just been born. Her miracle child John, whose name means, "God is gracious," was evidence of God's lavish, faithful love, and the joy of his birth, at long last, touched everyone around her. But John was not just proof that God loved Elizabeth. He bears witness to God's extraordinary love for the whole world. For you!
"Prepare the way of the Lord!" he still cries in our hearts. This means God hasn't given up on us. Redemption, salvation, forgiveness, and new life are possible; they are right upon us. Love is coming; he is what we've been waiting for, and he makes our waiting in such exquisite anticipation possible. Our prayer is simple this day before Christmas Eve:
"Come, Lord Jesus."
Keep Christ in Christmas
How to Remember Jesus in the Christmas Season
Each year there's usually some discussion about Christmas and how the religious holiday has become too secular, too centered on shopping, and not about Jesus' birth. While most Christians might agree, it can be hard to figure out what to do about it.How, exactly, do you put Christ back in Christmas? Especially if you're already knee-deep in decorations, cookie-baking, and struggling to put up the Christmas tree. We've come up with 21 simple things you can do--no theology degree required! This is not a mandatory to-do list, but rather a few ideas to remind yourself, your family and your friends about the real reason for the season. There are some surprisingly simple ways to honor the holiness of Jesus' birth.
Observe Advent with Your Family
Advent is the time of reflection and preparation before Christmas. It offers the opportunity to pause and consider the state of our souls, not our shopping lists. You can create an advent wreath for your home, and follow Bible readings for each day of advent. You can also follow an Advent Calendar.
Light Advent Candles
If you can't commit to the daily Advent Bible readings, consider lighting an advent candle each Sunday and reading the appropriate Bible passages. It allows you to create a time for spiritual reflection in your home, not just in church.
Go to Church
Even if you're not a regular church-goer, this is a great time to reconnect with your faith, listen to the sermons and the music and contemplate the true message of Christmas.
Read the Bible
We all think we know the Christmas story, but read the different versions in Luke (2:1-20)and Matthew (1:18-25) to consider what the Bible says about Christmas. Read the surrounding verses for an even better understanding, including Luke 1:5-56. You can test your knowledge with our Nativity quiz.
Decorate Your Tree With Christian Ornaments
Instead of shiny silver balls and big bows, use manger scenes, angels and other tangible reminders of the religious reason for the holiday. Consider creating a Jesse tree, which tells the story of Jesus' family tree, or a Chrismon tree, which is a Christmas tree decorated only with religious symbols.
Send Christian Christmas Cards
Consider using Christmas cards that include Bible verses or Christian artwork to remind yourself, and those who receive the cards, about the birth of Jesus--not the arrival of Santa.
Listen to Christian Music
Even in department store Muzak, it's often easy to recognize the strains of "Silent Night "or "Hark ,the Herald Angels Sing" in the weeks before Christmas. Just reflecting on the words can be a quick way to turn your thoughts back to Jesus' birth.
Since there is so much beautiful Christmas music, from traditional Christmas carols to new music from Christian artists, make sure to pull out those CDs or load up your iPod early in December. Check out our suggestions of top Christmas Carol renditions by Christian artists.
Pray This Christmas Prayer or Find One that Speaks to You
"The Christmas Prayer"
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Visit a Sick or Homebound Friend or Relative
Just as God gave the gift of his Son, so, too, your presence can be a true gift to someone who is alone or sick this season. If your loved one is far away, plan a call (put it on your calendar so you don't forget), or put together a care package.
Set Up a Nativity Scene in Your Home
When you're stressed and busy, you can just glance around your home for a reminder of why we celebrate.
« PreviousNext »
Forgive Someone
Jesus came to forgive our sins, and we, too, are obligated to forgive. Prayerfully consider who and how to forgive, whether it's a person you need to ask for forgiveness, or a private moment between you and God.
Attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Service
With family obligations it can be challenging to find time to get to church, but make a church visit a family affair, so that before Christmas dinner, you've had time to worship and reflect.
Follow the Liturgical Calendar
The joy of Christ's birth isn't limited to one day. In fact, Advent marks the start, not the end, of the liturgical year. Christmas leads to Epiphany on January 6th, followed soon after by the days of Lent, and Easter Sunday. After Christmas, consider how you might let the seasons of the liturgical calendar shape your faith journey in the year to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment