Advent Lectionary
Readings
Isaiah 12:2-6
Amos 8:4-12
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
See, God has come to save me. I will trust
in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given
me victory. With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In
that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell
the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the LORD,
for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let
all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy
One of Israel who lives among you." Isaiah
12:2-6
This is the time of
the year to sing—and listen to wonderful Christmas music! How many different
Christmas carols and songs do you know and love? Most of them are joyful…and
then there are others—that you just don’t want to listen to and wonder how
anyone can come up with such weird songs. Do you really want to sing “Christmas
Cha, Cha, Cha”… “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa”… “The Santa Clause Boogie” or…“Santa
Teach Me to Dance”? The list could go on and on…but we still have uplifting
favorites that focus on Jesus—the real reason for the season. Away in a Manger,
Silent Night, The First Noel and O Holy Night are just a few examples. One of
my favorites is “The Christmas Song”…chestnuts roasting on an open fire—although
it mentions more about Santa than Jesus—the message is Merry Christmas.
Christmas is Christ and I can just hear the Yuletide carols being sung by a
choir and feel that cold crisp air we associate with Christmas time. But the
weather has nothing to do with the birth of our Savior—in actuality He wasn’t
even born in December. This is just the traditional time that we recognize and
celebrate His birth…and the light—His light—coming into the world. Make known his praise around the world. Let
all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy
One of Israel who lives among you.
There are unreached people
all around the world—but generally most of the civilized world knows about Jesus…whether
they recognize Him as their Savior or not. That is everyone’s choice ultimately
for He does live among us and WITHIN
those who chose to have a relationship with Him. Have you told anyone lately
about Jesus…and what He has done for you? Do you see what He is doing in your
life? Is it just providing you with a parking place, a smile from a stranger,
or a true peace in your heart and life? Jesus wants to be more to us than just
a baby in a manger…or a great story teller. Does He have your attention and are
you willing to share Him with others? You’ll have a bigger impact in telling
others—tell the nations—about Jesus
if you really can see Him working in your life and can explain His impact.
Think about it. Like one of the Christmas carols says…prepare Him room. Prepare
Him room in your heart and life.
Prayer ~ Lord
Jesus—I sing for joy during this Advent season. I am preparing room for you in
my heart and life—come into my heart and shine through me in a way that is
pleasing to You and draws other to You. Joy to the World. Let Heaven and Earth
Rejoice.
Daily Bible Reading: Acts 27-28
Advent Random Act of
Kindness - Let someone go in front of you in line.
Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Thirsty? Enjoy this terrific, very
authentic Chia Tea on a cold winter day. It can also be served iced. This is made
using an Instant Pot pressure cooker, but can be made in any pressure cooker,
or simply steep the tea and spice together with boiling water, for at least ten
minutes, and then add hot milk. The flavor of the tea prepared in
the Instant Pot is very smooth, yet intense and satisfying. Enjoy with cookies
or an Indian meal.
 |
| Tea Time |
Instant Pot Masala Chia
6 black tea bags
3 cups water
1 cup regular or almond milk (plus an
additional 2 cup of milk used when serving the tea)
4 tsp sugar
4 whole cloves
8 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp fennel seeds
8 green cardamom pods
8 thin slices fresh ginger
Place all the ingredients (except the
extra milk) in a heat safe container, preferably one with a pour spout. Cover
the container with foil. In the inner line of the Instant Pot, pace two cups of
water and a trivet. Put the foil covered pot on the trivet. Cook on HIGH
PRESSURE for 4 minutes. Then allow the pressure to release naturally for 5
minutes. Release the remaining pressure. Strain tea. Add additional milk, or
not, as you prefer, to taste. Serve warm.
Only
11 Days Until Christmas
© 2018 photo and
text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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