New Year to Share God's Love

On Sunday, our  pastor helped us reflect on the past and the coming New Year with his sermon “Everlasting.”   The word is found primarily in the Old Testament, and is equivalent to the New Testament word, Eternal.  However, the two have different connotations.  While eternal  has a linear quality, as in a time that never stops, everlasting is far reaching, outside of time altogether.  God is everlasting.  If God is everlasting, therefore so are his attributes and promises, giving us great comfort. 

Lord God, what we ultimately need from you is this promise that you will be our dwelling place…everlasting…both from outside of time, and right into our moments.  As Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah all experienced God’s everlasting love and faithfulness, this love from outside of time came down to us as Jesus Christ,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, God With Us. Our hearts are full of gratitude.

And in very individual ways, Lord, you have shown your love and faithfulness to us.  Give us a thirst to take time to reflect on the ways you have been with us in this past year.  These precious remembrances give us the hope and expectancy of your presence with us in the coming year.  We give thanks for the remarkable ways you make yourself know to us, and we pray we will see you at work in our lives. 

Father God, as we begin the New Year, help us invite you in, to be with us in our ordinary moments, our significant moments, and in the unexpected.  You have claimed us for your own, and given us the wisdom, heart and character of Jesus Christ, your only Son.  Through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us shine this everlasting love out into our world, wherever we are, so the world will see and know that to know you, is to be Loved.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Advent

Holy Father God, God of the most high, Everlasting God, Lord of peace, Faithful Provider, Abba-Daddy – 

You, who formed us in our mother’s womb, who called us by name, and who commands our every breath. You alone are worthy, and How we love to worship you during this joyful time of year. 

Lord we thank you for your Word, especially during this Advent season. As we read and drink in the story of Joseph, a righteous man, give us a thirst to listen, trust, and obey as He did.  Like us, he loved you, and had his own plans.  Lord, He allowed Grace to interrupt.  He listened to your voice, he received the words, and obeyed all that you commanded.  And, Lord he obeyed again and again as he kept his ear to your voice, so that your plans would be fulfilled.

Lord,  we are like Joseph and Mary. We are the common shepherd and we are the prideful king.  Let us hear your voice. Amidst all that we think we need to do this season, help us to open our eyes to the star that lights the way to our Savior’s face.

On our way, God with us, Grace will interrupt.   Let us feel the strength that only you can give, as we wait upon your guidance each day, and act …to reach out to the lonely, to lift up the downhearted, to touch the untouchable, and to give to the needy.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.