Day 11 of our 2018 Advent Contemplations.
Welcome to the Blue Ocean Advent devotional podcast. This is Day eleven: Wednesday, Dec. 12. I’m Emily, and I’ll be your guide today.
Let’s start with a moment of gratitude. I’ll give you 20 seconds of silence to think about something you’re thankful for, and to thank God for it. Let’s begin now.
[20 seconds of silence]
Now we’ll move on to our petitionary prayer. Today we’ll pray that God’s peace will rest on … immigrants—documented and undocumented—who are petitioning our country for asylum. Let’s take 30 seconds of silence to pray.
[25 seconds of silence]
Our Scripture reading today comes from Matthew 5:3-12. During the second week of Advent we focus on cultivating peace—peace in the midst of doubt … surrendering to a God-Who-Is-Love providing hope in all situations. Let’s listen for this in Jesus’s words.
It begins:
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
We’ll close today by meditating on John 14:27, [Jesus] says:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Take a few moments now to imagine Jesus leaving us his peace, and inviting the Spirit to give us peace right now.
Our Concluding Prayer:
Creator, almighty and everlasting, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus my Lord. Amen