To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the
tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord, Commit to
the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Psalm 6:1-3NRSVUE
December 12, 2023
During Advent we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. In our secular, predatory capitalist
culture, we seem to spend at least twice that time “preparing” for a season which has become a
spending and partying extravaganza. More than a third of all jewelry is purchased during the
Christmas season. The Friday after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday” not because of Black
folks, but because many retailers go into the black, or make a profit, because of profligate
holiday spending. We prepare for Christmas by cooking, cleaning, presenting our homes for
family and holiday visitors.
Do we spend the same kind of time, effort, energy and money preparing our hearts, minds and
souls? Just as we clean our homes, polish our glassware, and hang holiday ornaments, do we
take the time to cleanse our hearts, releasing every resentment, forgiving those who have
wronged us? Just as we hang holiday ornaments, do we decorate our homes with joy, peace, and
love? Just as we have “to-do” lists and gift lists, have we developed the same lists for our
spirit? What must we do to get right with God, and to purely welcome the Christ Child into our
world?
Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Morning Meditations Team
Prayer: Father/mother God, thank you for the gift of the Christ Child. Help us plan for this gift.
Make us worthy to receive them. Amen.
Advent Guide 2023
As we stand in expectation of peace on Earth and reflect on the events of our times and the lives of our brothers, sisters and siblings in Christ, we await change and new birth.
We seek, listen and perceive the presence of God in words of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
We invite you to join us in meditation, reflection, prayer and spiritual disciplines throughout the season of Advent and beyond.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and reflect along with us offline.
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