Tag Archives: Messiah

Devotional

Awake at this hour

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4

Luke 2:1-20  (vv. 10-11)

Question for reflection:
The angel described the child Jesus as Savior, Messiah (or the Christ), and Lord. What would these descriptions have meant for poor Jewish shepherds living in a country occupied by the Roman Empire? What do these descriptions mean for us? What makes the angel’s announcement good news?


Prayer for the day:
Glorious God, a child carries your revelation bringing salvation to all. Glory to God in the highest! Let the earth declare God’s amazing work. Amen.

http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/21911/Christmas-Sand-Drawing-3-Luke-2120

 ~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Joseph: Glimpses of godliness

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Matthew 1:18-24

Question for Reflection:
Mary and Joseph must have been scared by what was happening to them: to be selected by God to be the parents of the Messiah! And yet, they responded faithfully and courageously to God’s call. Who do you know who has responded when God has called them? When has God worked through you?


Prayer for the day:
Grant us courage to respond, O God, when we hear your call. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Zechariah’s song: A new day

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Luke 1:67-80

Question for Reflection:
Waiting can be hard. I remember, as a child, waiting impatiently for Christmas morning to arrive so the presents under our tree could finally be opened. Zechariah, too, had been waiting. But what he was waiting for was immeasurably more wonderful than any present under a Christmas tree ever could be. Zechariah was waiting for the promised Messiah, and God did not disappoint. As Advent devotional writer Walt Wiltschek says, “In one angelic message, Zechariah receives everything he could have dreamed of and more.” What are you wishing, dreaming, praying for this Advent season?


Prayer for the day:
God of mercy, giver of Light, like young children on Christmas Eve, we eagerly await the dawning of a new day when the light of your Son will guide us all on the pathway of peace. As we wait, help us become aware of the ways your kingdom is already at hand. Open us to your Presence, send us your Spirit, grant us your Peace. We ask these things in the name of the Light of the World, Christ Jesus. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Neighbors and relatives: Community

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Luke 1:57-66

Question for Reflection:
The Message uses the phrase “surprise followed surprise” (v. 63) to describe the astonishment of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors when words of praise began flowing from the lips of Zechariah. Throughout Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of another baby – the Messiah – be alert and mindful of ways God is providing moments of surprise in your life. Like the neighbors in this passage from Luke, share God’s blessings and God’s Good News with your family, friends, and neighbors.


Prayer for the day:
Kind-hearted God, you have shown us the importance of relationships and community by reaching out to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. During this season of anticipation, help us to reach out to those among us who are most in need of a kind word, a warm coat, a hot meal. Stir us to be your healing touch to a hurting world. Help us to share your Good News of Jesus Immanuel – God with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.