“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.”
- Isaiah 40:31 (NABRE)
Advent Day 21
December 17, 2022
I Celebrate Life with New Vigor
As the year comes to an end and as Advent begins, I will move into the new year knowing that new blessings and adventures are ahead of me, no matter what my experiences have been. The birth of Jesus reminds me that with each new year there is the opportunity for new beginnings, to celebrate life, to seek understanding, and to thank God for the many blessings received and to come.
It’s easy to focus on the challenges we experience rather than to look for the blessings hidden in the challenges. It is not what we get, it is how we react to what is given, that tends to challenge our beliefs and our blessings. Since retirement, I have experienced my father’s transition, breast cancer, ongoing after effects of chemotherapy and radiation, COVID-19, my oldest brother’s transition, arthritis, and pre-diabetes.
Yet, I know that “God is good” and I am so very blessed. So, during this Advent season, I will take the time to sit quietly, talk to God, talk to myself, to give thanks, to seek direction and purpose so that I am open to new blessings and challenges.
Trustee Marie Day
Kelly Lay Organization
Church School
Prayer: Thank you, God, for being with me during my challenges and for helping me realize that my life would have been worse without you, those are your footprints in the sand and not mine. Amen.
Advent 2022
We invite you to join us during the Advent season as we reflect on the virtues of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love; as we anticipate Christ's birth; and prepare our hearts to receive him.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.