Advent

December 15, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

While Jesus came to live among us understanding humanity with all its potential to do good or evil, Paul is a role model of growing into the life Jesus Christ invites us to join. The letters he left us document his growth in faith, including his frustrations, failures, and friends with whom he shares his ministry. We, too, grow in faith learning from our mistakes and recovering from events beyond our control. He always, always cast his lot with God that is the message we must take from Paul.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”*

Prayer: During this Advent season, help us remember that you are not dead and you are always awake to our voices. Amen.

*Third and fourth verses from the Hymn I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Henry W. Longfellow see at https://hymnary.org/text/i_heard_the_bells_on_christmas_day

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.