Saturday, December 7, 2013
Advent Reflections
Diocese of Newark


Thank you for joining us as we begin the journey of Advent.  Each day you will receive a scripture reading, a reflection on that reading and a short prayer (except on Sundays when you will receive the Gospel lesson and a prayer).  The word "Advent" means "coming". It is a time to slow down, be quiet and meditate about the real meaning of Christmas.
  
These meditations and prayers have been prepared by a team of diverse members of our Diocese.  Joan Chittister, says: "The function of Advent is to remind us what we're waiting for as we go through life too busy with things that do not matter to remember the things that do. Advent asks the question, what is it for which you are spending your life?"
  
We all desperately crave more meaningful, less cluttered, lives, yet we rarely take the time to slow down and ask this question. The hope is that these reflections each day during the four weeks before Christmas will help us to prepare our hearts and our lives as we wait for the coming of Jesus.

May this Advent be a time of hope, anticipation and a deepening of our relationship with God. Please feel free to share.

                                                   Scripture

                                                   

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
   The name of the God of Jacob protect you! 
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
   and give you support from Zion. 
May he remember all your offerings,
   and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices.
      May he grant you your heart's desire,
   and fulfil all your plans. 
May we shout for joy over your victory,

 

Psalm 20:1-5

 

Reflection

Waiting ..... we ask for our hearts desire and like a child with a wrapped present, we do not want to wait.

 

It is so hard to wait.  We want things right away.  We will walk away if the line is too long.  We complain when at a restaurant., our meal takes too long to arrive.  We just can't seem to wait.  Why is this?  Maybe it's because there are so many What if's.  What if it's sold out?  What if I can't get the right color or size?  What if my car breaks down and I can't get to the mall? 

 

What if we slow down and wait for the most important gift of all.. The arrival of our Lord?

 
Prayer
 
May He grant you your heart's desire,
   and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
   and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

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