Reflection 1 – Advent – God with us
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
The past couple of years have brought a lot of challenges and worries to lots of people.
- How do you deal with the things that make you anxious??
In Matthew, chapter 1, verse 23 we read,
“‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
Christmas is a time we remember God coming to earth to be with us. He experienced life like us, understands what it is like to be human, and how hard life can be.
- Next time you’re feeling worried or anxious how might this knowledge help?
Prayer 1
Let us pray:
Father God,
Thank you for sending Jesus, for his birth that we remember at Christmas, his life, and that he died on the cross for us. We pray that you would strengthen us today in the knowledge that Jesus understands all we go through. Keep us happy and safe, focused and productive. Help us when we are in need and strengthen us to keep going when we’re finding things tough. Amen.
Reflection 2 – Advent – God with us
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
- Who do you feel is in control of your day-to-day business? Why?
- Have you ever noticed God’s presence in your life?
The Bible reminds us that God is always with us, but we can often forget this in the busy-ness of life. In Deuteronomy, chapter 31, verse 6, we read,
“The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you”.
- How might this help you today?
Prayer 2
Let us pray:
Lord God,
We thank you for this reminder that you are always with us and will never abandon us. Sometimes it’s hard to grasp that you are with us and in control. Help us to see that, even when things are tough, you hold us in your loving hands. We pray that today we would feel your presence in our lives, guiding and helping us. Amen.
Reflection 3 – Advent – God with us
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
- What things worry you about the future? Why?
In Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9, God says to Joshua, who has just been given a huge task to complete,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Consider how that verse makes you feel.
- Perhaps ask God to help you experience his strength and encouragement in difficult times.
Prayer 3
Almighty God,
We pray you would make your presence known in all of our lives today. Help us to be courageous. Strengthen us, rid us of our worries and fears and help us to always remember that you are with us in everything we do. Amen.