PREPARING gives us PEACE
The second verse of the hymn "When God Is a Child" reads:
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
Giving a promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there's joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
Today, Preparing gives us Peace focused on ways we prepare for the birth of a child. Making sure everything necessary is ready for when the child will be born. Much preparation is required when planning for the time the child comes into the world. There's a room to prepare; clothes to purchase; diapers and wipes to have ready; formula (or other necessities for feeding the baby); blankets and a bed or bassinet to lay the child in...
but, what if you had no room or clothes or diapers and wipes or formula or blankets or even a bed for that child? As an outreach to our community, our Church is providing these necessary items by collecting them each of the Sundays of Advent. The Chancel of our Church holds a wooden manger that is beginning to fill up with all of the items that have already been brought to the Church. Once they are delivered to the organization that will distribute them, those in need of them will find peace in knowing they are prepared for their little one's birth!
As we journey through Advent to Christmas, we are expecting the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. What are we doing to prepare our hearts for His birth? Are we prepared to receive Him? How can we prepare for our Savior? What would happen if He came - and we weren't prepared? How would we find peace in an unprepared heart?
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!
Repent of your sins, and be forgiven!
Turn towards the Light coming into the world!
Come, seeking hope and live in the ways of peace.
Come, let us worship God,
and Prepare the way of the Lord!
I love the idea of collecting baby things for charity at Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and commenting! Our church Worship Team came up with that idea...it helps those in need - and after all, that is what we are called to do. I wish I had a picture of the manger and all the things that were already in there!
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