An Advent Retreat Excerpt Day Twenty-Two

Day Twenty-Two

“And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:47

Personal Reflection

Reality

Rejoice always

Scripture says

even in despair,

sorrow, pain

recognizes God

stays by our side

every moment

strengthening within

realizes we are weak

substance dust

earth weighted unless

substitutes His power

Reality becomes grace.

Writing Prompt

1.     Mary believed in the Messiah with hope unseen. We believe from hope seen. Why then are we not a people who rejoice?

2.     What clouds rejoice from your heart?

3.     Is it possible to rejoice in pain and sorrow? How?

Psalm of Worship

            When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. Psalm 104:22

Today's Thought

Bird Struck! Loon

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-Two

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

Loons are known for their distinct mournful cry. It can be heard from quite a distance. Often one pair of loons will be the only ones on a lake or a river and to watch them swim is almost like watching a ballet because they are so graceful.

But on land they are clumsy and vulnerable. Some early nature writers often made fun of their land movements.

The psalmist tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Like snowflakes, we are each unique and have different talents and abilities.

Until we discover and grow into our parts, sometimes we feel clumsy and awkward and feel like others are making fun of us. It’s normal, especially when we have a growth spurt.

But when we are being the unique people God created us to be, we can then recognize our beauty regardless of what others see or say. And we know that we will get used to the changes that are happening in us.

Action

1. What do you love to do so much that you forget what time it is?

2. What actions make you feel clumsy?

3. What actions make you feel wonderful?

4. Think of ways you share them with others.

Read More

Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 40:5

Ecclesiastes 3:11