An Advent Devotion - 2

SCRIPTURE:
"Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." ~ Matthew 25:13

REFLECTION:
Keep watch! God tells us to keep watch and wait because we do not know when he will be coming. Wow! That requires us to stretch ourselves; it means we didn't plan it; it's not in our schedule book, it's uncertain. It requires patience too and we all know that waiting isn't always an easy thing to do. In our world of fast food, instant communication, high speed, palm pilots, and over-activity, our attitude is changing -- we want it, we want now, and we want to schedule it into our lives. Gone are the days of patiently waiting for something. Standing in the check out line at the grocery store for more than a couple of minutes can fray our nerves. Not knowing is not always a bad thing. There's a thrill in the unexpected. It's like a wrapped present - there's an excitment of not knowing what to expect. Let's take some time to slow down. Look around and admire God's creation. Let's try to bring back some of the awe and mystery. Let's spend some time on the lookout for God -- keep watch!

PRAYER:
Loving God, we ask you to teach us patience in the waiting. Help us to savour every moment. Please bring back into our lives the awe and mystery of who You are. Thank you for doing the unexpected. Amen.

ACTIVITY:
Organize Your Christmas Decorations.
As you get out your Christmas decorations this year, take an inventory of them. Try to organize them - make a list of all the items you have and purge the decorations beyond repair. That way when the sales start you will know what you need and where they will fit.

SONG:
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley, Rowland H. Prichard
© Public Domain

Come Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a Child and yet a King;
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

STORY/POEM:
Little Women (Chapter 2 - A Merry Christmas) by Louisa May Alcott

QUOTE:
"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." ~ Agnes M. Pharo

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Advent, Christmas