Day 9 of our 2018 Advent Contemplations.
Welcome to the Blue Ocean Advent devotional podcast. This is Day nine: Monday, Dec. 10. 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 those with whom we work. Or, if you’re not working or perhaps you’re self-employed, pray for your closest friends. You can start by praying something like, “May the peace of God rest on _________ [insert names of your boss, coworkers, friends, etc. as they come to mind].” Let’s take 30 seconds of silence to pray.
[25 seconds of silence]Our Scripture reading today comes from Isaiah 40:1-5; 9-11. 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 Isaiah.
It begins:
Comfort, comfort my people,
says your God.Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.”
We’ll close today by meditating on Matthew 5:9, which says:
“Blessed are the peacemakers—they will be called children of God.”
Take a few moments now to meditate on why Jesus specifically blesses peacemakers.
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