Greetings!
Thank you for continuing to journey with us through the season of Advent. You are now journeying together with members of over 60 different congregations in multiple dioceses and over 350 people in all. As we come together in reflection and prayer, we join our voices in praise as we await the joyful coming.
Christian Formation Commission |
When I was prosperous, I said,
"Nothing can stop me now!"
Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.
I cried out to you, O Lord.
I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,
"What will you gain if I die,
if I sink into the grave?
Can my dust praise you?
Can it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
Help me, O Lord."
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed
me with joy, that I might sing praises to you
and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Psalm 30:6-12
New Living Translation
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We, the people of the United States of America have become the wealthiest and most prosperous nation in the world, but we have become puffed up and have forgotten our first love. Since 2008, we have been suffering from severe economic decline, unemployment, financial crisis, devastating storms and other tragedies. But have we associated these things with the fact that we think we have become self-reliant and independent from our God? Well, that is why I welcome the season of Advent.
Christmas is the time we remember the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. We look forward to the stories, the lights, the trees, the gifts, the food, and the holiday parties and all the other wonderful ways we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Yes, we get lost and carried away sometimes with the spending, but that's because we lose our focus. But oh, what awesome feelings and memories we have when we remember that we cannot out give God. Jesus is the reason for the season. So, enjoy this season of Advent.
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Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of Jesus Christ:
You've turned our mourning into joyful dancing.
We will sing and praise you and not be silent.
O Lord, my God, we will give you thanks forever. Amen.
Psalm 30:11-12 New Living Translation
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