Sunday Reflection (December 11, 2022)

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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)

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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.
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Sunday Reflection (December 4, 2022)

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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)

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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.
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Devotion November 30, 2022

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Devotion November 29, 2022

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Sunday Reflection (November 27, 2022)

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Origin of Alexandria, an early Christian theologian, was tortured later in life because of his Christian faith. Physically, he was broken, and later he died because of this cruel treatment. He was not a stranger to suffering: When he was young, his father had been martyred because of his faith in Christ. In spite of this, Origin leaves us with these words: “The light of God’s love in Christ is dawning everywhere, thus ending the reign of darkness, sin, and hatred.” We do not have to walk about in darkness, sin, and hatred because God’s Word, Jesus Christ, shows us a better way (Romans 13:11-14). May our proclamation and way of life bear witness to the light of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ. May that light fill your life and shine through you upon those around you (Isaiah 2:1-5).

Prayer for the Week (November 27, 2022-December 3, 2022)

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Let us pray that we bring Christ’s light to others: Lord God, your Son, Jesus Christ, came as God with a human face. Lead us to create with you a love and justice that reflects your light in a dark world, and until that day may the Holy Spirit inspire and guide us to lead everyone to you. Amen.  
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Sunday Reflection (November 20, 2022)

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Christ the King Sunday is about a seemingly powerless Messiah hanging on the cross; yet these lyrics reveal a mystery: “Love crucified, arose and the grave became a place of hope” (Michael Card). The resurrection established the eternal dynasty when God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead. The resurrection displays God’s power over hatred and death (Luke 1:67-79; 23:33-38).

Through the resurrection of Jesus God shows us a kingdom not based upon retaliation, smashing the competition, or even militarily defeating the enemy; rather, through Jesus God shows us a kingdom based upon humility, truth, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, love, and compassion. A type of kingdom no one expected – not even today! May our lives, our attitudes, and our actions not betray the kingdom of God.

Prayer for the Week (November 20, 2022-November 26, 2022)

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Let us pray that all God’s people become more like Christ our King: God our Father, lover of people, we recognize our King crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross. This King is our leader without an army or earthly might. Like him, may we choose love and compassion as our only power and humble service as our only greatness. May this be the way his kingdom grows within us and among us until you lead us unto your lasting joy. We ask you this through Christ our Lord who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

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