An Advent Retreat Excerpt Day Eight

Day Eight

“He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  Luke 1:33

Personal Reflection

Glimpse

Recognition glimmers

with names,

Ruler of kingdom

the promised one who

reigns forever

glimpse into eternity.

Ready now, here

this moment to

redeem creation

meet each person

rescue one to one

angel messenger

radiant with message.

Writing Prompt

1.     How often do you think you truly acknowledge the power of the Messiah?

2.     Why does our perspective tend to focus on our difficulties and not on His complete Majesty?

3.     How do you lift up your eyes to His eternal promises?

Psalm of Worship

            They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them. Psalm 104:8

Today’s Thought

Bird Struck! Dove

Family Devotional

Day Eight

“Gentle words are a tree of life.” Proverbs 15:4

Worldwide the dove, or pigeon, is known for its gentleness. Because it also heralds spring in some countries and is monogamous, it also symbolizes love.

In Scripture, the gentle dove heralds two amazing acts of God.

It was a dove that brought to Noah the news that the flood had ceased and that he could return to land. Several days later came God’s covenant to never flood the entire earth again, which He marked with a rainbow.

From that time until now, the rainbow can be seen everywhere in the world. Even though many people do not know the story of God’s love, God still keeps His covenant.

Another amazing announcement happened when Jesus was baptized by John and “saw the Spirit descending like a dove on Him.” Through Jesus came God’s covenant of redemption given for the whole world. And though there are still many people who do not know Jesus’ story of His love for us, God still keeps His covenant.

A small dove can still bring great news. It is not its size but the message that it carries that changes lives and brings hope.

In our world today we may feel as insignificant as gentle doves, but we too have powerful words from God we can share.

Action

1.Who do you know that could use a gentle word about how much God loves them this week? Write them a note to encourage them. Or draw them a happy picture.

2.Or choose some Scripture verses and write them on strips of paper. Then hide them where they will find them, like in a book they are reading or on their pillow.

3.Share a favorite dessert with your friend as a surprise.

Read More

Genesis 8:11-12

Genesis 9:11-17                       

Proverbs 15:1-4

Mark 1:10