A collect is a ‘collective’ prayer by the people. It is one we say together with a unified heart and spirit. Will you join me in this prayer? Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warning and forsake … Continue reading Advent Collect – December 6, 2019
Advent Devotional – December 5, 2019
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.Romans 15:8-9 NRSV The arc of God’s work is always bent … Continue reading Advent Devotional – December 5, 2019
Advent Devotional – December 4, 2019
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight shall … Continue reading Advent Devotional – December 4, 2019
Advent Devotional for December 3, 2019
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing … Continue reading Advent Devotional for December 3, 2019
Advent Devotional – December 2, 2019
Welcome to the season of Advent. A season of waiting; a season of anticipation; a season of wonder and awe. We begin Advent by taking a few weeks to familiarize ourselves with the book of Matthew and the Gospels themselves. Matthew is written to a Jewish audience attempting to show why Jesus is the Messiah … Continue reading Advent Devotional – December 2, 2019
Introduction to a Year with Jesus
To be a follower of Jesus means that we know the ways of Jesus and are committed to imitating them. It is a two-pronged process with either part being as important as the other. For if you know the ways of Jesus but are not committed to doing them, the book of James says we … Continue reading Introduction to a Year with Jesus
Advent 2019 – Beginning a Year with Jesus
Advent is the beginning of the Christian year. And what better way to begin than entering a period of waiting, watching, listening, and preparing for the Messiah. It is prime time to establish new habits for it is a season we are most open and ready to receive. And what a great gift we have … Continue reading Advent 2019 – Beginning a Year with Jesus
