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An Advent Meditation | |
A portion of the Gospel of Luke for Advent I. Luke 21: 25-28 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your hands, because your redemption is drawing near."
When I read the beginning of this gospel I feel as though I am reading todays newspaper. It amazes me that things don't change over time. There is not a lot of good news in the media today. We have gone from being bombarded with political news and natural disasters to the push to buy, buy, buy for Christmas.
What I would like to see us meditate on is the end of this passage. Focus on what is really coming. Focus on the birth of Jesus, which is really what we will celebrate on Christmas. Right now it is Advent, the time when we prepare for the coming. Take time out from the hectic preparations and light an Advent candle, get the little ones in your life excited about the Advent calendar and opening the little door that brings us closer to Christmas Day. Take time for yourself in prayer. Revel in this holy time as we wait patiently for the coming of Jesus.
Stand up and raise your hands, because your redemption is drawing near. Then!!! Behold, I bring you good news of a great joy in which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord Luke 2:10, 11
Written by:
Donna Abramov
Province I President |
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Chapter Presidents, We Need Your Help! | |
We are working on a new chapter manual and want to hear from you. We're asking, how can the new Chapter Manual help you? What topics need to be covered in the new manual? For these and the answers to many other questions we would like your input. Join the conversation and connect with chapter presidents from around the country on the new Yahoo Group for Chapter presidents. Please contact Jen Mariano and ask for an invitation to join. We look forward to seeing you there!
Jen Mariano
jenmariano@me.com |
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Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. - Calvin Coolidge
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SAVE THE DATE! |
New Wineskins Missionary Network will be hosting New Wineskins 2013 Conference at Ridgecrest, NC, on April 4-7, 2013. Please prayerfully consider attending this conference which draws clergy, lay leaders, youth ministers, mission mobilizers, missionaries and potential missionaries to hear inspiring speakers, participate in workshops, pray for Christians around the world, and join in glorious worship. More information will be in next month's Cross+Links, or check out New Wineskins Missionary Network's website at www.newwineskins.org.
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We apologize that due to software problems, the Fall edition of the Royal Cross has been delayed. Please note that the deadline for submissions for the Winter Issue has been extended to January 15, 2013.
Ann Holmes
Royal Cross Editor |
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 Because the Royal Cross comes out 4 times a year, you might want to join our Mailing List to receive Cross+Links news monthly via e-mail. |
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Province Presidents
Province I
Donna Abramov
donnaabramov@doknational.org
Province II
Janet Papa
janetpapa@doknational.org
Province III
Laura Richards
laurarichards@doknational.org
Province IV
Lindy Kirk
lindykirk@doknational.org
Province V
Pam Sebura
pamsebura@doknational.org
Province VI
Lyn Zolman
lynzolman@doknational.org
Province VII
Brenda Amos
brendaamos@doknational.org
Province VIII
Carrie DaCosta
carriedacosta@doknational.org
Email the National Office at
dok1885@doknational.org
or Call 770-517-8552 |
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Citizenship in Christ's Kingdom | |
As Daughters of the King, you are called to accept Christ as your King. So many say the name of Christ, but usually do not understand what they are saying. A recent Galloup Poll conducted in the US revealed that 86% of Americans considered themselves Christians, but less than half knew who preached the Sermon on the Mount. The same Poll showed that 60% of the country was in Church last Easter, but one out of four did not know what Easter was all about. So when we name Jesus as King, when we call him Lord, do we really know what we are doing? Do we accept him as such and do we believe him? And if we accept him and believe in, do we understand what it really means to be a member of his kingdom? This is the role of the members of the Daughters of the King, to help others to understand what it means to be in Christ's kingdom.
In the Gospel reading for the feast of Christ the King (John 33b-37) we find Jesus and Pilate in a conversation about the kingship of Jesus. Pilate finds himself in a very delicate situation with the Romans as well as with the Jewish High Priest and the Council. To keep his privileged position he has to come up with a good reason to condemn Jesus. So his conversation with Jesus is not really to seek information but to use his political skills to get Jesus to say something that can cause him to fall into a trap. When Pilate asks the question about the kingship of Jesus, Jesus responds that he is a king, but that he is a king to testify the truth. Pilate then wants to find out what the truth is.
Jesus talks about a special kingdom, a kingdom that is not of this world. It is a new kingdom presented to Pilate. The kingdom of the world is not compatible with the kingdom that Jesus is talking about. These two kingdoms do not see eye to eye and they are in conflict.
To be a citizen in any country means that we live in that country or were born there. On the other hand our citizenship in Christ's kingdom is about how we live rather than where we live. Citizenship in Christ's kingdom is determined by how we live and how we live depends on how we know the King and our relationship with him.
Our citizenship in Christ's kingdom also depends on our allegiance which is made through our baptismal vows. As a US citizen we pledge allegiance placing our right hand over our hearts and saying the words of the pledge of allegiance. This shows our loyalty to our country. Our allegiance as a citizen of Christ's kingdom is through our faith. I hope that none of us will ever have to make a choice between our flag and the cross of Jesus. If that day should come and we live in Christ's kingdom, we know by faith that our allegiance should always be to Christ. The Early Martyrs had to make that choice and they chose to serve the Lord.
Citizenship in Christ's kingdom is ultimately determined by whom we worship. The Daughters also have the responsibility to evangelize. The most effective way of evangelizing is by the way they live their life. Their model is the King, because he is the model of love, a love from which compassion flows. They have their allegiance to the King and through their prayers they learn to obey the King.
In congregations where there is a chapter of Daughters of the King, the priest of that congregation, as well as the members can give testimony to the work of the members of Daughters of the King. They will continue to do the work of the King and their prayers will continue be effective for that work: that all may be in unity with God through Christ and with one another.
Bishop Romero
National Chaplain |
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Christmas Wishes | |
May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope
and the peace of His love at Christmas and always.
Merry Christmas.
from the National Council and the National Office Staff. |
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