Focus

Relax and clear your head. Listen for the voice of God. What is God saying to you today?

 

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Read

Psalm 80:1-7 (NRSV)

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O LORD God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

 

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Reflect

At this time of year we hear people “argue” over whether we should greet one another with Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. But for many people the preference is not a matter of Christmas or Holiday; it is a question of being merry or happy. For those who are alone or who have experienced great loss, Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year. Things that once made us happy at this time of year now make us sad. Those things that once brought happiness are now things that bring sadness because of the memories they evoke.

While our lives here on earth are full of uncertainties, we have a God who is and will forever be in control. Even in our darkest times, we have a God who is faithful. We may not need or even desire a Christmas present, but we can be assured that we have God’s presence. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are times to be reminded of the goodness of our God. It is a time to remember the essential message of Christmas, which is Immanuel – God is with us. A God who loved us so much that God sent the one and only Son – to be one of us. “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”

 

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Pray

Great is your faithfulness, O God. We claim the promise of your continued presence in our lives and give thanks that through you lives are restored and we have the assurance that you are always with us and among us. May we be your light to the world today and every day. Amen.

 

Go with God!