Contemplating Grace

Season of Advent Love, Day 1 Reading: “If I give away all my possessions…but do not have love, I gain nothing.”[1] Reflection: The fourth theme of Advent is Love, a term which so has many meanings and applications in English as to almost be meaningless. With respect to the birth of the Christ-child within, Love … Continue reading Season of Advent: Love, Day 1

Season of Advent Joy, Day 7 Reading: “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them at the inn’”[1] Reflection: Whether we believe … Continue reading Season of Advent: Day 7

Season of Advent Joy, Day 6 Reading: “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your soul.”[1] Reflection: According to the … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 6

Season of Advent Joy, Day 5 Reading: “He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. Maybe Christmas, he thought…doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps…means a little bit more. And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say…that the Grinch’s small heart grew three … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 5

Season of Advent Joy, Day 4 Reading: “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified”[1] Reflection: Proverbs 9:10a reads, “The fear of the Lord … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 4

Season of Advent Joy, Day 3 Reading: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for you see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…’”[1] Reflection: When my children were born, as when Jesus was born, angels sang and rejoiced. Not the types of angels that … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 3

Season of Advent Joy, Day 2 Reading: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.”[1] Reflection: When Mary responded to the angel Gabriel’s message that she was pregnant with the son of God, she said, “My soul magnifies … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 2

Season of Advent Joy, Day 1 Reading: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”[1] Reflection: Joy, the third theme of Advent, contrasts with happiness, which is dependent on circumstances over which we have little control. Joy is a deeply-engrained sense of … Continue reading Season of Advent: Joy, Day 1

Season of Advent Hope, Day 7 Reading: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know the hope to which he has called you…” [1] Reflection: Entering Advent with the intention of allowing it to … Continue reading Season of Advent: Hope, Day 7