Friday, December 12, 2014
Advent Reflections
Diocese of Newark


Thank you for continuing to journey with us through this season of Advent. You are now journeying together with people from in multiple dioceses - over 700 people in all. As we come together in reflection and prayer, we join our voices in praise as we await the joyful coming.

 Scripture

 

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5


Reflection

 

Remember always, that we have been given the ultimate gift of unconditional love.  We stray and wander but we are never far from the love of God.  Let us take time this day and recall the gifts that are in our pathway.  Many we have encountered and many more yet to be found.  In the end, we have been embraced with LOVE.
 
Prayer


 

Let us pray; Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth,

in a serious seeking after thee, and in affectionate walking with thee,

 every day our lives; that when thou comest,

we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh,

 nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious King, for ever and ever. Amen.

Richard Baxter, 1615-91

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