Tag Archives: good news

Devotional

Implications

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   John 1:14

Prayer for the day:
God of grace and truth, thank you for coming to earth in a form that I can relate to, as a human of flesh and blood. Thank you for showing me your love in such a personal way. Help me offer that same love to others. In the name of our neighbor, Jesus the Christ, I pray. AMEN


Question for reflection:
Who around you needs to hear a hopeful word today? With whom will you share the Good News of Jesus?

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, Congregational Life 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

When God calls

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 2:8-14

Prayer for the day:
The heavens and the earth rejoice. Thank you, God, for the glad tidings you bring through Mary and Joseph. May our celebration of the child, Jesus, awaken in us the good news, and proclaim, “Glory to God in the Highest, and peace be with you.” Amen.


Question for reflection:
How do you, or do you want to, live your life in response to the gospel?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

When God moved into the neighborhood

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  John 1:14

Prayer for the day:
Jesus, help us to slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing around us, so that we may re-organize our lives and be ready for the good news that you are bringing to our neighborhood. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What new practices, patterns, or routines could you establish to help you “peel back the layers” and see your neighborhood with new eyes? Or what might you give up in order to make time to pay attention?

~ Tim Heishman, National Youth Conference Coordinator

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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

Holy pedigree

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res Matthew 1:1-17

Prayer for the day:
God of the Ages,
as we read through the holy lineage of Jesus, we become more aware of your movement through the generations and the many lives you have touched. Help us feel your presence in our lives so that we can share the Good News of Jesus with our world today.
Amen

Question for reflection:
How are you sharing the Christmas story with others this Advent season?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’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.

Devotional

Gabriel: Messenger service

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Luke 1:26-38

Question for Reflection:
As you move about your neighborhood and community, what signs and wonders of God’s activity are you observing?


Prayer for the day:
O God, prepare us to observe, to be amazed, and rejoice in God’s good news available to the least of us, and the greatest.  Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, 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 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.