Welcome to our 2021 Advent Journey! This year we are making our way toward Christmas by exploring the four Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, but with a twist. This second week is not just about Peace but Peace(ful) Preparation, but before you jump in to today’s reflection, just take a moment, breathe slowly, and pray the following prayer as truthfully and earnestly as you can.
God of Peace
You have promised to crush the head of Satan,
that ancient serpent, under our feet.
Therefore, help us to live in faithfulness to your eternal light
and in active rebellion against the darkness of this age.
We swear our allegiance to you alone.
Amen.
Daily Scripture: Ephesians 6:17-18
Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can also find it here.
Reflection
if we turn back to Isaiah 59, we will note again that when God takes up helmet of salvation it suggests working for the good of others, especially those in need, and so some think that the same is true for us. I.e. putting on the helmet of salvation means active engagement with injustice! Thoughts?
The sword of the Spirit is identified here as being the word of God and there are a number of places that might help us to understand this in a fuller manner. Have a read of Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 1:16 and 2:12, as well as Isaiah 11:4, and see what you come up with.
The last thing to mention here is the importance of prayer. As spiritual warriors we are called to ‘keep alert and always persevere in prayer’ with every ‘every prayer and supplication’ (6:18-19). So be encourage and stand strong!
Advent Quotes
‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’
| Rabbi Tarfona
‘It is a terrible misunderstanding of the Gospel to think that it offers us salvation while relieving us of responsibility for the life of the world, for the sin and sorrow and pain with which our human life and that of our fellow men and women are so deeply interwoven.’
| Karl Barth
Advent Song: Illuminate the Shadows
Illuminate the shadows
Comfort those who are cast down
Illuminate the shadows
Be our refuge in the time of storm
God our help in the time of trouble
(God our help in the time of trouble)
Illuminate the shadows
Cast the evil ruler from His throne
Illuminate the shadows
Break oppression with your mighty arm
Illuminate the shadows
‘Til every idol has been trampled on
Illuminate the shadows
‘Til every statue comes tumbling down
Bring hope to the hopeless
| Isaac Wardell & Paul Zach
WAGE PEACE
Closing Benediction
Be people of peace.
Let peace live in your heart and share the peace of Christ with all you meet.
Share peace by acting out of compassion and not fear.
Share peace by listening to all sides of the story.
Share peace by praying for our world.
In this Advent season, we need to see, feel, and share peace.
As you go out into the wonder of God’s creations,
share peace and hope with those you meet.
Amen.
| Liturgy Link
No Zoom reflection tonight – we’ll be back on Monday!
As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and reflections and so please do leave a comment in the section at the bottom of this page. Much love to you all on this Advent journey!