Advent 3
Advent 3
Read: Philippians 4:4-7
Reflect:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We live in a season of worry. We worry about our health. We worry about our finances. We worry about our children. We worry about our parents. We worry about politics. We worry about violence of all kinds. We worry about the environment. We worry about our future.
We are a people of worry. For many, these worries aren’t “what ifs”, they are “when.”
As we move into the third week of Advent, we are reminded that “the Lord is near.” We are told to give thanks for everything – and do not worry about anything.
This does not mean that we are going to live a worry-free life. Nor does it mean that additional support will not be required. However, it does show that addressing challenges in our lives should be awash with prayer.
The Lord is near. Do not worry. Pray. Give thanks.
And the peace of God – the peace of the One who gives us breath – will guard our hearts and our minds.
This God. Love incarnate. Is coming.
This involves trust, faith, and a willingness to give our all. How are you going to respond?
Households with adults and children:
Respond: Worry is a natural human reaction to trouble and turmoil. Paul reminds us in the text above that just because the circumstances surrounding you are worrisome, do not lose hope because the “Lord is near.”
What is something that you are worried about? How does worrying make you feel? Does worrying ever make you feel better? Create a family altar – a simple coffee table or stool will suffice. Make sure your children can reach it. Have children participate in the creating of this holy space by letting them choose the location and by encouraging them to place symbols of faith, love, and safety on or around the altar. It might include something they’ve built out of Legos or a lump of clay. It might be their baptismal candle or a shell that they found on the beach. Place a bowl in the center of the altar, and next to it, stack small slips of paper. Set a time each day or once a week to encourage each other to write or draw their worries and place it in the bowl – a symbol of giving your worries to God.
Prayer: Loving God, we know that you are near. Thank you for surrounding us with your presence, peace, and love. Thank you for replacing our worry with your peace. We rejoice and give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. AMEN
Households with adults and youth:
Respond: Worry is a natural human reaction to trouble and turmoil. Paul reminds us in the text above that just because the circumstances surrounding you are worrisome, do not lose hope because the “Lord is near.” It is very easy to get stuck in our own heads. The same worry plays over and over and we often find ourselves hopeless with no way out. One way to “get out” of our heads is to reach out beyond ourselves in kindness and service to someone else. Encourage your teenager to help come up with some sort of outreach or mission project. One idea might be to collect blankets for a homeless shelter or if your teen responds to animals, animal hospitals and shelters are always looking for clean towels and blankets. Young people enjoy being with friends, so allow them to do this project, not just with their families, but with their friends.
*Breath Prayer:
Breathe in: “Creator God”
Breathe out: “Your peace heals my heart.”
*Choose your own words to pray silently in your heart – then pray it over and over – no matter the setting. This is a simple way to ease a worried mind. Focus on the words and focus on your breath.
Households with adults:
Respond: Worry is a natural human reaction to trouble and turmoil. Paul reminds us in the text above that just because the circumstances surrounding you are worrisome, do not lose hope because the “Lord is near.” Along with all of the ideas listed above, you can also practice journaling. Write about what worries are on your mind. Oftentimes, your anxiety will ease up when you pull the worry out of your head and put it down on paper. Alongside the things that worry you, practice creating a list of things that you are grateful for and bring you peace.
*Breath Prayer:
Breathe in: “Creator God”
Breathe out: “Your peace heals my heart.”
*Choose your own words to pray silently in your heart – then pray it over and over – no matter the setting. This is a simple way to ease a worried mind. Focus on the words and focus on your breath.
Important: Everyone worries. That is how we are wired. That being said, if your worry and anxiety is affecting your joy, passion, and day-to-day life, or if you are feeling hopelessness, you may need additional support. Please ask for help. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your priest, a therapist, or psychiatrist – there is help available.
by Roger Hutchison, Forma Board Member, Author, Artist, and Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church
Additional Connections
Advent Wreath Practice:
Light a small candle, LED candle, or the third candle of your Advent wreath. Gather with your loved ones as you are able and offer this simple prayer:
God, we know that you are near. Thank you for surrounding us with your presence, peace, and love. Thank you for replacing our worry with your peace. We rejoice and give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. AMEN
Way of Love Connection:
TURN: Pause, listen and choose to follow Jesus
As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. – Mark 2:14
“Do you turn to Jesus Christ ...?” – Book of Common Prayer, 302
Like the disciples, we are called by Jesus to follow the Way of Love. With God’s help, we can turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. In turning, we reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love again, again, and again.
This week, trying to practice turning to Christ each and every time you begin to be filled with fear or worry. Practice the breathe prayers in this weeks response, or find a quiet place to sit and meditate on these words: “When I am afraid I will trust in you.”
Download a printable copy of this weeks reflections HERE.
Tags: Lectionary Based Readings & Reflections / Latest Posts
