Advent Devotions: Week 2

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you.’ “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11: 1-11

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December 7th; Second Sunday of Advent

Peace

by Margaret Dormon 

This Advent, focus on Jesus as the source of all true peace, even when the world is

filled with trouble.  I would like to challenge you to be the peacemaker. Some ways in which this can be done:

• Embody the Fruit of the Spirit – Use tools like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to build bridges between people.

• Be the One to Initiate - take the initiative to make the first move towards reconciliation.

• Listen to Understand - make an effort to understand the other person’s point of view, even when it is difficult.

• Be Willing to Forgive - Forgiving others, even seven times a day if necessary, is a powerful act of peace.

“For unto us a child is born... and he will be called the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah

9:6). 

True peacemaking isn’t just about keeping the peace; it’s about courageously and lovingly promoting lasting peace based on God’s truth.

Inhale:

I will disrupt my own peace

Exhale:

for Your true peacemaking.

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December 8th

Perceive

by Lee Ann Peyton

Isaiah 43:19"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Some days, it’s hard to see what God is doing. Life feels ordinary, or even heavy. But Advent whispers a quiet truth: God is near, even when we don’t feel it.

I’ve found that perceiving His presence often begins with stillness. A moment of quiet. A breath. A prayer. In those spaces, I begin to notice—His peace in a sunrise, His comfort in a hymn, His love in a friend’s kindness. 

God is always working, even in the waiting. Advent invites us to look again, to listen deeper, to perceive the sacred in the simple.

Inhale:

God is making all things new.

Exhale:

May I perceive it.

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December 9th 

Trust 

by Sarah Morgan

 Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust means believing and relying on God’s promises which may be difficult.  Handel’s Messiah is often performed at Christmas time.  One of the lines from the oratorio is: “He trusted in God that He would deliver Him”.  This line talks about God’s promise to save humanity and gives us hope at Christmas time.   Mary and Joseph trusted God despite what must have been very confusing and concerning circumstances.  During this holiday season let us strive to trust in God’s plan for us.   

Inhale:

Today I will trust 

Exhale:

that my efforts matter.

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December 10th 

Useful 

by Kyle Henderson

Help me become a balm of Peace

To those who find themselves the least

A touch of Hope, a spark of Joy

A feast of Love in your employ

Be born in me, lead me to serve

To share with all Your grace deserved

Make me Useful to those in need

Inspire my actions, words, and deeds

Inhale:

When I do not feel hopeful, 

Exhale:

help me become useful.

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December 11th

Conviction

by Marilee Dukes

The word “conviction “ has a number of meanings. In the Bible it is generally associated with the Holy Spirit making us aware of our sins and of our need for forgiveness. (For example, see John 16:8) As we head toward Christmas, we need to keep the idea of “conviction “ in our hearts. Jesus left all the glories of Heaven to convict and forgive us for our sins. It is easy to carry our conviction too far and become bogged down in guilt. There is no need for this. That  tiny baby will one day make the ultimate sacrifice for us so that He can stand beside us and say, “You are convicted but I have paid the price for your sins. Convicted, yes. Forgiven, absolutely!!” That is the reason for Christmas.

Inhale:

When I feel uncertain, 

Exhale:

steady my convictions.

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December 12th

Transformation

by Frankie Tatum

Transformation means to be changed: changed in character, perhaps in appearance. Unlike Paul’s dramatic conversion while walking to Damascus, transformation is a process. It is not our will power that changes us but is a result of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation.” 2 Cor 5:17. Transformation also forms within us the nine fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23. Fruits of the Spirit can be deepened by the Breath Prayer: We witness to our ongoing quiet transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Inhale:

Help me witness 

Exhale:

every quiet transformation.

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December 13th

Reorient

by Kyle Henderson

In a world where our attention is divided by no end of distractions, it's easy to find ourselves fans of all the wrong things.  Following behind a trend or idea or person that pulls us farther and farther from what we know should be our true North Star.  It can be scary to turn away from things that seem like high priorities, but Advent is a time to discern that which we truly believe to be important.  This season, like a sailor correcting the aim of his bow, point your way back to God.  Reorient your life towards His love and cast off the things that anchor you to a life devoid of His peace.

Inhale:

Reorient my path 

Exhale:

to walk humbly with God.