Wednesday, December 1

Isaiah 2:1-11

Psalms 12, 13, 14, and 119:1-24

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Luke 20:19-26

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

I chose this letter from Paul to the young Thessalonica church, because I love Paul’s message; to me, it is a message to be faithful, a message of hope and a message of thanks all rolled into eight verses! I want my devotional message to you in this season of Advent to also be one of faith, hope and thanksgiving. I want to celebrate with you that the Gospel is not only what we believe, but what we live! Paul was not grateful for the popularity, prestige or “stuff” but for the new believers of Thessalonica, “20For you are our glory and joy.”

At this time, if your burdens are overwhelming, take heart in the joy that every day, the people of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church live the lives of faithful believers, spreading God’s message of hope in many ways; from a kind word or gesture to helping those less fortunate, “…welcoming the stranger in fellowship and worship with the love of Christ…”

Let’s take hope together, in the reality that Christ will return, and in the promise of eternal life, just as Paul taught the Thessalonians all those years ago.

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, I give thanks for the believers of the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, for the message of faith and hope that they live on a daily basis. Keep them safe in this Advent season. Let us grow in your Word and love together. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Julieanne Mani