Week of November 28, Romans 13:11-14

Now begins a new season in the Christian year called Advent, a time of preparation for Jesus’ coming to earth some two thousand years ago, coming to each of us each day, and a reminder that Jesus will come again at the end of time.

One of the Scriptures for Sunday is from Romans, chapter 13, verses 11 to 14, where Paul talks about putting on Christ, and getting rid of the junk in our lives that hinders our relationship with God:
Paul says:
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Dear God, in this new season called Advent, a time of preparation for Your Son, Jesus, we have so many things to do to get ready. Remind us, Lord, that Jesus has already come. He has impacted the world in powerful ways. Jesus has broken into the world – into our own world also, calling us to Himself, calling us to live lives of purity and goodness and joy and service to others.

Jesus, You call us to put aside deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light, for You, Jesus, are the light of the world. In this world that needs You so much, Jesus, help us to put aside the nonessential things, and focus on time with You, to put aside all the frenetic activity that the world calls us to, and rest in the manger with You, born once two thousand years ago, and continuing to impact our lives today.

So Jesus, we thank You for the gifts of joy, peace, comfort, strength, Your presence. Help each of us to be men and women of joy, peace, comfort, and strength because of who we are in You, and to reflect those gifts to others this Advent season. Thanks, Jesus, for the relationship that we have with You, where we can experience Your presence always. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His strength and His great peace. In the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You may leave a message or prayer request by emailing me at: peacewm@tds.net.
May we be more and more aware of God’s presence and working in our lives each day.