 Last year on this date, my husband Bob left this earth to Rest in Peace after suffering many months from Lewie Body Dementia. I remember every day the good times and the sad times. It is painful at bedtime not to say "Good night. Love ya." But there is light coming through this darkness. I know Bob is in a better place, and I find comfort knowing Jesus is here to comfort me. The words from the 23rd Psalm reassure me that the Lord is my shepherd and surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. This is a very difficult time for everyone, but I must trust in the Lord to bring light into the darkness. - Sally Brown
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 The timing is so right for the word, Hope, not only do we all Hope for a vaccine that will cure the virus but we Hope that people will come to their senses and stick with the protocols of wearing masks and social distancing.
In the final article of this months “Our Daily Bread” the author talks about Hope in the Desert. It states that, “Just as He demonstrated with his people in the desert, He’s more interested I capturing our hearts, receiving our genuine worship and proving Himself faithful rather than provide a quick fixes or temporary solutions.” The author concludes by stating that, “He chose the desert then, and He uses it now to show us the beauty of Hope – Hope in Christ. Stay Awake, He has so much to show you in your desert season.” What an interesting way to look at Hope as we enter the Advent Season a time for re-birth, lighting our individual ways and looking forward with renewed Hope in what lies ahead. May we all be blessed during this Hopeful season and in the New Year! - Skip Raymond I hope for many things.
I hope the Patriots win this weekend. I hope for a snowy winter in Vermont. I hope that nobody in our family gets the CoronaVirus. I realize that each one of these worldly wishes may or may not happen, but I still hope that they do. There is another, a better, kind of hope. It is biblical hope, the desire for something unseen but with the sure and certain expectation of its fulfillment. This most precious hope comes from Jesus Christ to Christians who have saving faith by sincerely believing in him. The death of Jesus on the cross and his subsequent resurrection defeated his death and our deaths by atoning for all of our past, present and future sins. What a precious gift is this undeserved blessing that promises us eternal life in heaven beyond our earthly years. As we anticipate and await our celebration of the birth of Christ, let us praise the Lord and thank God for our eternal hope. - Bill Cooley This year, to help us be ready for Christmas, we are going to have a daily Advent Devotional. This is how it will work. With the help of Paul Alcorn, we have made a list of 28 words associated with Advent and Christmas. We are asking you to select a word and write a short reflection based on the word you chose. Instead of writing something you can also send a carol or poem that you like. Then send your reflection to Paul who will post it on our church's website (2ndcongregationalchurchvt.org) and on our church's Facebook page (Second Congregational Church UCC). Here are the steps:
Here are the words and dates! Sunday, November 29 Hope Monday, November 30 Darkness Tuesday, December 1 Angels Wednesday, December 2 Waiting Thursday, December 3 Journey Friday, December 4 Watch Saturday, December 5 Bethlehem Sunday, December 6 Peace Monday, December 7 Light Tuesday, December 8 Wisemen Wednesday, December 9 Pondering Thursday, December 10 Shepherds Friday, December 11 Mary Saturday, December 12 Joseph Sunday, December 13 Joy Monday, December 14 Star Tuesday, December 15 Prepare Wednesday, December 16 Rejoice Thursday, December 17 Holy Friday, December 18 Wisdom Saturday, December 19 Fear Not Sunday, December 20 Love Monday, December 21 Manger Tuesday, December 22 Gifts Wednesday, December 23 Messenger Thursday, December 24 Good News Friday, December 25 Emmanuel Reminder: Once you have chosen a word please email your choice to Paul Alcorn at [email protected]. Thank you for helping us get ready for Christmas! |
AuthorOur Advent Devotional is written by members and friends of the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, VT ArchivesCategories
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