Advent: Dec. 7th

ADVENT WEEK 2 ~ HOPE, PEACE

LET'S GO LUKE 2:15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

HIS PEOPLE
PSALM 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

QUESTION

There are subtle, and not so subtle, transformations happening here. Remember those "terrified" shepherds? Now they can't wait to go be a part of the whole thing! Also, remember, the shepherds started out with Angels speaking to them? Now they acknowledge "the Lord has told us". How have you experienced God transforming your fears in to His Peace? How have you experienced an ordinary conversation with someone and came to realize there was a Word from God in it for you? "Let's go" share that with someone today. Be sure to LISTEN to their story also. As you are LISTENING give them your undivided attention, eye contact, your presence with them. Listen well ~ do not interrupt, do not editorialize, do not formulate your own response before they are done, don't fix them, just listen with presence and empathize to understand what this is like for them (don't project yourself into it.) Repeat back to them to clarify what you heard and ask "did I get that right? and "is there more?" Listen for God; His Word and His Holy Spirit's guidance.

PRAYER: Lord, hear my prayers ...

Traditions From Around The World

Italy

The Italians are well known for celebrating Christmas throughout the month of December, but do not actually have the significant exchanging of gifts until the traditional day of the arrival of the Wise Men (January 6th) for the first Christmas family. Italy claims the first nativity scene was actually demonstrated in Italy by Saint Francis as an object lesson for children and today, in nearly every town and village they have regular award as a result of contests the “best nativity scene.” Because of this type of focus, it is said that there are more animals in public squares in Italy during Advent, then perhaps in the rest of the world combined.

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Psalm 19:14

LET'S GO	LUKE 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
HIS PEOPLE	PSALM 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
QUESTION
There are subtle, and not so subtle, transformations happening here. Remember those "terrified" shepherds? Now they can't wait to go be a part of the whole thing! Also, remember, the shepherds started out with Angels speaking to them? Now they acknowledge "the Lord has told us". How have you experienced God transforming your fears in to His Peace? How have you experienced an ordinary conversation with someone and came to realize there was a Word from God in it for you? "Let's go" share that with someone today. Be sure to LISTEN to their story also. As you are LISTENING give them your undivided attention, eye contact, your presence with them. Listen well ~ do not interrupt, do not editorialize, do not formulate your own response before they are done, don't fix them, just listen with presence and empathize to understand what this is like for them (don't project yourself into it.) Repeat back to them to clarify what you heard and ask "did I get that right? and "is there more?" Listen for God; His Word and His Holy Spirit's guidance.