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Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Laura Metzger

Advent is a time for slowing down and remembering, We are in the process of preparing our hearts to celebrate the incarnation of our God – the day Jesus became God With Us. This remembering is a time for our own deep reflection on how God is here with us in our daily lives and  it is also a time of remembering to teach others about the God we love and worship.  What a wonderful opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren, our friends, and neighbors what it is we hold dear. Our faith has a deep history.  What are some interesting ways you can share your testimony, through both actions and words?

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 78: 1-4

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  Written by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer.

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.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Joy Williams: Here With Us 

IMAGE: Sunset painted by Catherine Montgrain of our church

If using an advent wreath, light the first purple candle, which symbolizes hope and is called the Prophet’s Candle. The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.