John went into all the region around the Jordan,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins …
Luke 3:3 NRSV
How often the chimes sound a call to action. Not like a bugle call, but rather softer, like an invitation rather than a demand. What do you hear?
John, a voice in the wilderness
John’s proclamation, his call to a “baptism of repentance,” is God-focused. It is a call to re-turn to the Lord we have come to love. We are asked to leave the distraction of mountain top and valley and meandering path and travel with intention and directness into God’s immense love.
Through daily examination and “repentance” we keep our focus and walk with directness and strength. I imagine that Marian Wright Edelman “proclaims” in the same manner John did. Let her prayer be your prayer on your journey. ~dan
God did not call us to succeed
God did not call us to succeed,
God called us to serve.
God did not call us to win,
God called us to work.
God did not call us to live long,
God called us to live for Him.
God did not call us to be happy,
God called us to be hopeful.
God did not call us to fame,
God called us to faith.
God did not call us to seek power,
God called us to seek peace.
God did not call us to loot the earth and each other,
God called us to love our earth and each other.
O God take our tiny acorns of service and turn them into towering oak trees of hope.
Marian Wright Edelman in Guide my feet, p. 118
Links to online Advent Calendars
Each of these has a different approach. Find one that helps you “prepare the way.” Find one that helps you focus on God as you make your way into the loving arms of God.
Trinity Wall Street Online Advent Calendar
Busted Halo Online Advent Calendar
“Black Friday” began the “Shopping Season” and retailers are relentless in keeping us focused on buying often and buying more. “#GivingTuesday” (11/27/12) was an invitation to give and use our “buying power” in a way that benefits others for more than just a day.
I intend to keep that invitation in front of us throughout the “Shopping Season.” I believe that It is always the right time to be generous. If you haven’t participated in “#GivingTuesday” how about today? ~dan
Today’s give-a-gift-to-help-others idea:
- Feed the Children — which is “a Christian, international relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster.” (Feed the Children Mission Statement)
Looking for other give-a-gift-to-help-others ideas?
Go first to Charity Navigator for those ideas
and for an evaluation of how your dollars will be spent
Image: source not known
Hear what the Spirit is saying 