Advent Devotional for December 10th

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."

- Romans 8:28

"Marvel at our contrary orbits.  Mine

salutes yours, wherever we pass or cross,

which may be now, might very well be now."

- Geoffrey Hill, Scenes from Comus

What does it mean to love God?

It means embracing with joy God's free gift of love;

It means denying the selfish devices and desires of our own hearts; It means running forward to meet each other at the frontiers of our being.  What do you think it means?

(St. Martin-in-the-fields Advent Devotional, 2005)

Advent Devotional for December 9th

God of comfort, these times seem so uncertain, so scary. The world seems darker than it has in the past and I am less sure of myself. Maybe that's a good thing; maybe now I am turning to you with a realization that I need you so much more and that my life is not in my own control. Let me not forget all of those around the world who are frightened at this moment. 

Help those who are victims of terrorism and war. Be with those who have lost so much in the past year. Hold us all in your loving arms and let us be comforted by the strength and peace you want to much to offer us through the birth of your son, Jesus. Thank you for the many gifts you offer us.  Amen.

Creighton University Online Ministries

Advent Devotional for December 8th

"And let everyone who hears say, 'Come.' And let everyone who is thirsty say, 'come.' Let anyone who wished take the water of life as a gift." - Revelation 22:17

The infant stretches to the strengthening sun

the infant stretches, sensate, wakening

And, widening with the flowers his star-black eyes

Turns with the earth out to the years that opens.

- Jenny Joseph, Spring and Summer

"But when he had seen again the face of this world, enjoyed water and sun, warm stones and the sea, he no longer wanted to go back to the infernal darkness." - Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus

Gracious God, Creator of every new day and all that sustains us in it, give us the strength and the love we need to do your work as make our way through the world.  Amen.

(St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London)

Advent Devotional for December 7th

Dear God, as I look through my gift shopping list, I hold up to you each person listed on it. Slowly, one by one, I ask that the fire of your abundant love burn within each of them. I pray that the gift I find for each person will bring joy into that life. 
But, help me to keep a balance this season, Lord. Let me keep my buying in perspective, not to spend more than I need to or can afford. Let me not give in to the pressures of this world and not equate love with money spent. Let me always remember the many, many people who have so much less in material things. Help me to buy wisely, so that my choices will not burden those in other countries who are so deeply affected by this country's economy.

And finally, loving God, help me to find time in the frantic moments of each day to become centered on you. Walking through a store, riding on the bus, hurrying down a street: let each of these times be moments when I can remember your incredible love for me and rejoice in it. Amen.

- Creighton University Online Ministries

What if church...

Advent Devotional for December 6th

"Greetings from Saint and friend" (Dutch)

(Today marks the 500th post to the FUMC-Iraan blog!  Share the word about what your church is doing!)


Prayer for December 6th, Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

From The Book of Common Prayer

Advent devotional for December 5th

The Abbey on Iona (Scotland)

"Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." - Proverbs 25:25

"I learn by going where I have to go." - Theodore Roethke, The Waking

Throughout the world are sacred places to which people have set out on pilgrimage.  Often they are places of profound stillness which offer the traveller an opportunity for contemplation, whist others are places of joy and noisy celebration.  What it is that makes the pilgrim journey is known only to the individual human heart.  But the call to set out, when it is heard, is unmistakable.

'A place of hope,' they say, and in their thousands they journey, year by year, to this tiny island on the margins of Europe.  Sunswept and windswept, yet always deeply a place of transformation.  We need you, with your alternative vision, with your ever present questions, your often uncomfortable silence.  For you are a place of prayer, of Christ's abiding; holding together the frayed threads of our fleeting devotion, opening a path for healing and for peace.  Not momentary healing nor easy faith, but struggle, commitment and a continuing conversation. (Peter Millar, writing of Iona)

+Lord of the pilgrim soul, nourish us with glimpses of those places where healing, reconciliation and peace are to be found.  Amen.