December 2022 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Prayer for the Week (December 18, 2022-December 24, 2022)

December 19, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that we welcome Christ: God, we eagerly await the coming of your Son among us. Prepare us to receive him when he comes by recalling that he came to us in poverty and humility. May the Holy Spirit lead us to discover Christ in the simplicity of everyday life and everyday people. Accustom us to your Son and his ways, for he is our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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Devotion December 14, 2022

December 15, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion December 13, 2022

December 15, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Sunday Reflection (December 11, 2022)

December 12, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

The book of James notes (5:7-11) if things do not happen as fast as we like or the way we want it, we are apt to grumble and complain against one another. Impatience makes it easy to criticize and complain rather than work out solutions. Nevertheless, do not be discouraged: While waiting for the Lord’s return, plant seeds of hope in obedience to God and his revelation in Jesus Christ. In due time the harvest will come, so do not lose heart and do not give up! Keep helping one another, defending the defenseless, embracing the poor, loving our enemies, and yes, forgive in the hopes of being reconciled as God has reconciled us to God and one another through Jesus Christ. We await with anticipation the full flowering of God’s kingdom. As we anticipate a new and better world, it is our Christian obligation and responsibility to foster a society that is concerned about the least of these and the most vulnerable (Matthew 11:2-6).

Prayer for the Week (December 11, 2022-December 17, 2022)

December 12, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that people recognize Christ within us and among us: Lord of hope and joy, through the Holy Spirit you are near to us: May it become visible that Christ lives within us and among us when we are near to one another and bring hope and justice to the world, especially to the poor and to those who suffer. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Claretian Publications alt.

Sunday Reflection (December 4, 2022)

December 5, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Reflecting upon verses from Deuteronomy, a Psalm, and the prophet Isaiah, the Apostle Paul points out that God’s special blessing for the world came through one particular Jew, Jesus of Nazareth. (Romans 15:8-13). Through God’s mercy, the Gentiles (non-Jews) have been brought into fellowship with the God of Israel. God’s grace is poured out upon all.

God’s grace ultimately triumphs over violence and hatred. Because of God’s grace towards us, may we not resort to violence and hatred. Rather, may we receive others as friends when the opportunity presents itself. Paul challenges us to receive and welcome one another (Romans 15:7) “unto the glory of God!”

Prayer for the Week (December 4, 2022-December 10, 2022)

December 5, 2022/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that we anticipate the coming of Jesus our Savior: God our Father, you sent your Messiah into our world with the power of love and compassion. May all your people accept him in faith so that Christ be birthed and grow within us and among us. May your Church be faithful to the Gospel of justice and peace. Amen.

Claretian Publications