See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah 60:2-3
Comment
This week we begin a series of reflections and prayers for Advent. I grew up with the Lutheran family tradition of advent wreaths where we lit candles on the four Sundays before Christmas. Maybe this week you could light a candle when you have your time together to reflect and pray.
This year the news has been full of so much doom and gloom. Being a sensitive person I’m aware that all the sad stories in the media can affect me. If we’re going through challenging personal circumstances these can affect us too. What affects me can affect my relationships… if I let it.
So whenever I feel gloomy about the state of the world I reflect on my source of HOPE which is Jesus. He came into the world to bring hope. He reconnects us with God and gives us the Holy Spirit.
I also know that he uses all things for the good, according to his good purpose and this gives me hope too.
The other good news is that he will come again one day to make all things new. We will live with Him on a new earth and have new bodies too. Wow.
Reflect together: Where do I find hope in my life?
Prayer (as a couple)
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you give us hope through Jesus. Please help us to connect deeply with him and receive your Holy Spirit in our lives, our marriages and our families. Father God we pray that you would give us opportunities to tell others about our source of hope during this advent season. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Heavenly Father, we pray for … and … Please help them to find hope in their circumstances. We pray that you would help them in their struggles, provide for their needs and draw them to yourself as the author of hope in the world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Final quote
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5.5 NLT)
