Advent Reflections
Wednesday, 30. November 2005, 22:33:27
Thursday - 1st week of Advent
The answer to prayer
“ Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
I likened my life to a house built on sand. When the wind would blow, it would leave a bare spot, so I would quickly replace the spot with a solid brick house. When the wind would blow again, I would continue to place the brick in the bare spot. The wind is both harsh and mild, so in time this house solidified. Now my house of brick is strong and can weather any storm. I knocked on God’s door and He opened it to me. He showered me with many blessings. So with God’s help and love much can be achieved.
Evelyn Voelkel, UAC
Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118:1-27, Matthew 7:21-27
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Friday - 1st week of Advent
From Darkness to Light
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!" …Matthew 9: 27
Lord let me see and understand,
I have learned over the years that healing can be a slow process. Often times we travel over twisted, bumpy roads on our journey to begin this process of healing.
My youngest son encountered the first bump of his journey when he was told that he needed a delicate brain surgery. Since that day he has experienced many twists and turns as he awaits word when this surgery will take place. I watch him struggle physically, and I wonder if either of us will feel peace of mind. At times there have been doubts and I wonder if Jesus will heal our son. We look deep within our hearts and draw upon our faith that Jesus’ healing powers will end this weary journey. During this Advent season, it is especially important that we are not blinded by any trails and may see light along this darkened path. We will continue to look for signs that all will be OK; we will continue to believe and have faith as Jesus has taught us.
Lord help us to turn away from darkness, and draw us closer to the light of the Lord.
Betty Reichertz, UAC
Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9, 27-13
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Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent
Celebrate By Giving to Others
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils. Freely you have received, freely give...(Matt 10:8)
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas - a saint who signifies and is often thought of as the true Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas selfishly gave of himself to others just like the Apostles. While Jesus empowered the Apostles to perform miracles, the acts of charity St. Nicholas performed appeared like miracles to his recipients.
It was the gift of his giving to others that was St. Nicholas's greatest talent. The small acts of kindness brightened children's day just as the Apostles shed light when tending to and healing the sick.
Jesus taught us how to share and how to live through the examples of the Apostles and St. Nicholas. We hope that their acts will help us to put others first, and spread warmth and light by becoming more loving and giving.
Although God works through each one of us in different ways, He has found a place in us all. Some of us may preach and some of us work small miracles, but we all do these things for one another. All these gifts are from the same Spirit.
I find when I go to the Nursing Home one or two days a week to visit a friend, I have also made other friends at the home by just a touch or talk with them. I receive smiles and a lot of joy from their conversations and they welcome my visits. I feel good inside when I leave. And I'm smiling, as I not only give to them, they also give me joy.
Lord, we want to let our light shine by being more loving and giving. Please help us to shine.
Betty Reichertz, UAC
Isaiah 30: 19-26, Psalm 147: 1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:8
The answer to prayer
“ Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
I likened my life to a house built on sand. When the wind would blow, it would leave a bare spot, so I would quickly replace the spot with a solid brick house. When the wind would blow again, I would continue to place the brick in the bare spot. The wind is both harsh and mild, so in time this house solidified. Now my house of brick is strong and can weather any storm. I knocked on God’s door and He opened it to me. He showered me with many blessings. So with God’s help and love much can be achieved.
Evelyn Voelkel, UAC
Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118:1-27, Matthew 7:21-27
_____________________________________________________
Friday - 1st week of Advent
From Darkness to Light
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!" …Matthew 9: 27
Lord let me see and understand,
I have learned over the years that healing can be a slow process. Often times we travel over twisted, bumpy roads on our journey to begin this process of healing.
My youngest son encountered the first bump of his journey when he was told that he needed a delicate brain surgery. Since that day he has experienced many twists and turns as he awaits word when this surgery will take place. I watch him struggle physically, and I wonder if either of us will feel peace of mind. At times there have been doubts and I wonder if Jesus will heal our son. We look deep within our hearts and draw upon our faith that Jesus’ healing powers will end this weary journey. During this Advent season, it is especially important that we are not blinded by any trails and may see light along this darkened path. We will continue to look for signs that all will be OK; we will continue to believe and have faith as Jesus has taught us.
Lord help us to turn away from darkness, and draw us closer to the light of the Lord.
Betty Reichertz, UAC
Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27:1,4,13-14, Matthew 9, 27-13
________________________________________________________
Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent
Celebrate By Giving to Others
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils. Freely you have received, freely give...(Matt 10:8)
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas - a saint who signifies and is often thought of as the true Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas selfishly gave of himself to others just like the Apostles. While Jesus empowered the Apostles to perform miracles, the acts of charity St. Nicholas performed appeared like miracles to his recipients.
It was the gift of his giving to others that was St. Nicholas's greatest talent. The small acts of kindness brightened children's day just as the Apostles shed light when tending to and healing the sick.
Jesus taught us how to share and how to live through the examples of the Apostles and St. Nicholas. We hope that their acts will help us to put others first, and spread warmth and light by becoming more loving and giving.
Although God works through each one of us in different ways, He has found a place in us all. Some of us may preach and some of us work small miracles, but we all do these things for one another. All these gifts are from the same Spirit.
I find when I go to the Nursing Home one or two days a week to visit a friend, I have also made other friends at the home by just a touch or talk with them. I receive smiles and a lot of joy from their conversations and they welcome my visits. I feel good inside when I leave. And I'm smiling, as I not only give to them, they also give me joy.
Lord, we want to let our light shine by being more loving and giving. Please help us to shine.
Betty Reichertz, UAC
Isaiah 30: 19-26, Psalm 147: 1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:8
