Advent Reflection: Dec. 14, 2017

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church

Seasonal Devotions

Scripture: Amos 9:1–10  (Today’s Readings)

I would not want to be a prophet. Prophets are all too frequently tasked with the responsibility of sharing God’s messages with people who don’t want to hear them, or who are unprepared or unwilling to listen to them. The prophet Amos has some particularly difficult news to share as he observed God’s people cheating, acting without compassion, and dismissing those who were suffering. Amos described five visions of Israel’s punishment for not doing God’s will. Yet, even after considerable doom and gloom foreshadowing, Amos’s message is one of love and hope. Amos reminds us God pays attention to God’s people and to how we care for others. When we act in love, show compassion, help the suffering, and seek justice, we are helping God rebuild the broken parts of the Kingdom. As we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child, how can we as Christians help to repair the brokenness?

Prayer: Lord, be with us as we look to Your coming and guide us in our own brokenness as we seek ways to help rebuild Your Kingdom. Keep us ever mindful of all those You have placed in our lives, and open our eyes and hearts to the blessings of those around us. Thank You for the promise of Your Son Jesus, and allow His light to shine through us. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, we pray.  Amen.

Contributed by Ellen L. Allston

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Artwork: Detail of No Between © Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com. Inspired by Isaiah 64:1: “O that You would tear open the heavens and come down … .”