Advent, Week II
“Prepare ye the Way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the Way of the Lord!”
How do I express what I feel in my heart
upon hearing the choir singing and the pastor
preaching with enthusiasm and joy!
“Praise my Soul the King of Heaven, to His feet
your tribute brings, ransomed, healed, restored,
forgiven ever more God’s praises ring!”
When this worshipping congregation sings this tune
How do I explain why tears roll down my cheeks?
In my heart I hear the reflection of Mary’s
Song and feel it deep within,
“My Soul proclaims
the greatness of the Lord, my Spirit
rejoices in God my Savior, who has looked
with favor on this lowly servant.”
Do you feel it, too? When the Advent scriptures
burrow into the spaciousness of your heart
and the peace of God rings true and pleasing,
divine love swelling until with the
angels we sing praises and await the Child.
We prepare to meet the infinite, incarnate child of God.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, come be with us!
Abide with us.
Philippians 4:4-7
Common English Bible
Be glad in the Lord always! Again, I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
Advent Fair
The church that is doing our best to navigate safely through a pandemic was especially cheerful and bright last Saturday afternoon at the return of the Advent Fair. Parents and grandparents chased children down beautifully decorated hallways, all the while balancing ooey, gooey sculpted popcorn on their one free hand.
Lined up at Pearl’s Christmas Café, homemade turkey soup and egg salad became gourmet entrées with the love Pearl added!
Carefully prepared craft tables revealed pretty things that most any adult or child was able to make into a gift for loved ones with the assistance of those staffing the tables.
Pastors Stephanie, Jerry, and Andrew were seen mingling with visitors. Their warm smiles portray God’s love so that each one feels at home at Saint Paul Benson.
Many paused at the sight of homemade cookies, eyes wide at the view of sweets, and donations were made to the youth group.
Hayley, the elf, and Santa Claus brought joy by their very presence!
As the commotion gave way to Christmas caroling, hearts softened with the familiar tunes and lyrics. The birth of Christ merits the most joyful harmonies we can muster!
We are grateful for another year celebrating the traditions of the Advent Season and for Deb and Dee and so many others who plan and made it happen once again.
In the darkest nights, let’s pray to God and release anxiety by giving thanks for the divine presence in our lives. May we keep our eyes and hearts open to signs of God’s coming, all the while living in the Spirit of Christ Jesus.
May the peace of Advent come to you in unexpected ways.
Marta
Rev. Marta Wheeler
To view and download a PDF version of this Devotional, click here: Devotional MW 2021-12-08