2011 Life Journal

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - PEACE

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FOURTH WEEK THEME: PEACE

Sunday, December 18, 2010: Light the four candles on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

FIRST READER: This is the fourth Sunday in Advent. Today, we light the four purple candles (OR three purple candles and the pink candle). The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. The second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. The third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. Today, we light the candle of peace. Our world is not always a peaceful world. People hurt other people. Countries are at war today. People don't take care of the world. People yell and scream at other people. But God promises peace. During Advent we pray that we, as well as all people, will seek God's peace.

(Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.)


SECOND READER: When we look at the fourth candle, we remember God's promise of peace. We recall the words of Jesus in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." In times of war and hatred it's hard to remember that Jesus is the one who brings peace. As we approach Christmas let's remember that God's intention is a place of peace where people shake hands instead of harm one another.

FIRST READER: Read Luke 2:1-20  

SECOND READER: The shepherds may have not felt very peaceful when they heard the words of the angel. They were probably scared and confused, but they followed those words, trusting in God. Sometimes all we see around us gives a message different from the message of peace. Yet we, like the shepherds, can follow God's words and trust in God's promises.

DISCUSSION: This Scripture reminds us that when we are fearful, we are often not thinking of peace. The angels calm the shepherds and send them forward with a task. Who are the people in our world who need God's peace?

What are our hopes for peace in our world today?
How do we help others know God's desire for peace in our world?

PRAYER: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for those in our world today who seek to act for peace. Help us look for ways to be peacemakers at home, at church, and at school. AMEN.

Monday, December 20, 2010: Peace seems so difficult for us to achieve in our world. Read again Luke 2:1-20. Think about what peace would look like in your family, in your congregation, in your community, in our nation, and in the world. Pray a prayer of peace, asking God for what you have envisioned for your family, your congregation, your community, your nation, and the world.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010: Take time to do an act of service today for someone in your home or someone in your community. You might want to make cookies for your postal carrier or take a Christmas card to your neighborhood bank. Perhaps you can call those who work at your church and offer thanks for their service. How does showing we appreciate the service of others bring peace? What acts of peace can you do this day?

Wednesday, December 22, 2010: What do you see or hear in the headlines today? Are there stories of peace? Or are our leaders dealing with violence, hurt, and discord. Today, remember the leaders of our world. Select one leader and pray that this leader will be guided by God's vision of peace.

Thursday, December 23, 2010: Sometimes the closer we get to Christmas, the more frantic we become. This can be particularly true in the last few days before Christmas. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God's help to bring peace to a busy world

Friday, December 24, 2010
 
Christmas Eve
Light the four candles on your wreath. Read together Matthew 1:18-25. We sometimes forget about Joseph. Are there those in your home or community that you might be forgetting? Take a moment to pray for the forgotten people in your home, your church, or your community.

DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY

Saturday, December 25, 2010.
Light the four candles on your wreath, plus the center white candle (which is called the Christ candle) and read together the following meditation:  


FIRST READER: Today is Christmas. Today, we light the four purple candles (OR three purple candles and the pink candle). We also light the center white candle. The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. The second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. The third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. The fourth Sunday, we lit the candle of peace. Today, we also light the center candle. This candle represents Jesus. When we light this candle, we remember Jesus' birth. Our waiting has ended.

(Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles. Light the center white candle.)




SECOND READER: When we look at the center candle, we remember that God sent Jesus to give hope, peace, joy, and love to all people. Outside of Bethlehem, the shepherds saw a great light and heard the voices of angels. They traveled to the manger and saw the baby Jesus.
Far away from Bethlehem, wise men saw a star in the sky. They followed the star and were filled with joy when they found Jesus. They remind us that the gift of Jesus was not just for the people in one place, but for all people.

FIRST READER: Read Matthew 2:1-12

DISCUSSION: It's amazing to think of these persistent travelers who were determined to find Jesus. They traveled with hope and faith in the promise that they would find the new king.
Who are the people in our world who need to know of God's promises?
What are our hopes on this Christmas day for our world?
How can we help people remember God's promises after Christmas Day is over?
Name one thing you are willing to do in the days following Christmas that will help you and others remember God's promises.

PRAYER: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus for ALL people, not just those in one place at one time. On this Christmas Day, help us remember and rejoice again because Jesus was born. May we live every day remembering your love and care and showing that love and care to others. AMEN.

Cure for Holiday Stress

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Q: What is the cure for Holiday Stress?
A: Tequila (okay I am only being funny here ... it's just a joke! Lighten up!)

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is so simple, yet profound and even more difficult to live out; 1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." - NLT

I think it's challenging because when we do "give our cares over to God" when often pick them back up soon after giving them to God. It's like that old song, "give your burdens to the Lord and leave it there ... leave it there."

There are many natural ways to deal with stress as well, here are a few:


  • Have a positive attitude. (it's a choice)
  • Try not to worry about things out of your control. (Worry never helps)
  • Problem solve with people around you. Ask them to help you alleviate stress. (Friends)
  • Exercise. A few extra minutes of exercise a day can benefit your overall health. 
  • Stay away from Nasty In-laws (ha ha!)
  • Eat Nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
  • Meditate (pray,) or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques.
  • Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.
  • Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
  • Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Take extra Vitamin C
  • Ever-so-often stop and do a deep breathing exercise.
Have fun, and don't forget the REASON for the SEASON!

Christmas Eve Plaza Lights

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PRETTIEST PLACE IN KC FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

When:           Friday, December 24, 2010

Where:          Intercontinental Hotel (Top Floor)

Who:             Mercy Church

Time:             6:00pm

Mercy Church and lead Pastor Timmy Gibson would like to cordially invite Kansas City at attend our annual Christmas Eve Service at the prettiest place in Kansas City during the holiday season; from the top floor of the Intercontinental Hotel over-looking the Plaza lights.
                                                                       
The room will be set up so that those attending will be facing the windows over-looking the awe-inspiring Plaza lights! There is no better place to celebrate the real reason for the season in all of Kansas City.

The one hour service will be classy, yet simple and elegant so you will feel comfortable wearing a suit or the ugly Christmas sweater Aunt Edna gave you 3 years ago. The service will be made up of meaningful music, and a heart-warming message to encourage your soul.

Mercy Church (meeting 10 a.m. every Sunday at Indian Hills Middle School, 6400 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS - just south of the Plaza 3 miles.) Mercy Church is a church without pretense: Everyone’s welcome; come as you are.


Contact:        Michele Huff
Phone: (913) 390-1200
E-mail: info@mercychurchkc.com
Web site: www.mercychurchKC.com

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT - JOY

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THIRD WEEK THEME: JOY

Sunday, December 12, 2010 - Light the three candles on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

FIRST READER: This is the third Sunday in Advent. Today, we light three purple candles (OR: Two purple candles and a pink candle). The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. On the second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. Today, we light the candle of joy. One thing that sometimes happens as we get ready to celebrate Jesus' birth is that we expect to be happy all the time. Joy is not the same as happy. Joy is a deeper feeling created by knowing that God cares for us. Joy is remembering that God sent Jesus so we would always know of God's care. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God's gift of Jesus to the world and know the joy that gift brings to all people.

(Light the first, second, and third candles)


SECOND READER: When we look at the third candle, we remember God's promise of joy. God promised to send a Savior to the people. Today we read from the Gospel of Luke. In the Scripture, we read Mary's song of praise and joy. There must have been times when Mary was frightened, worried, fearful, and sad. But we have these words of joy even in a time when she was unsure of the future. Her words can guide us to look for the joy of God even when things may be uncertain for us.

FIRST READER: Read Luke 1:46b-55
 
DISCUSSION: How privileged we are to have this beautiful song of Mary. Can you imagine her singing the words written in Scripture? It is a testimony to her faith and joy at being chosen as God's servant.
Who are the people in our world who need God's joy?
What are our hopes for joy in our world today?
How do we help others know that God gives joy?

PRAYER: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the joy remembering Jesus' birth brings to us today. Help us live in such a way that our words and our actions help others know of the joy you give. AMEN.

Monday, December 13, 2010: Today read again Luke 1:46 -55. Make a list together of the things that bring joy to your lives. Write your own song of joy to God, or sing a song that expresses joy to God.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010: Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of joy? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010: Joy is something we need in our city. Think about different leaders of our city. Select one leader of our city. Pray for that leader today.

Thursday, December 16, 2010: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 17, 2010: Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God's joy? Pray for this family member today.

Saturday, December 18, 2010: There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God's peace. Select someone to visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone you see in a place where you go to eat. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she brings joy to you.

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT - LOVE

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SECOND WEEK THEME: LOVE

FIRST READER: This is the second Sunday in Advent. Today, we light two purple candles. Last Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. This Sunday, we light the candle of love. One verse that many memorize and remember on this day is John 3:16, "God so loved the world..." some people may not know the love of other people. That makes it harder for them to understand God's love. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God's gift of Jesus to the world and know that God's love for all people is the reason for this gift.

(Light the first and second candles.)


SECOND READER: When we look at the second candle, we remember God's love. When we read the words of the psalmist, we know of God's greatness and care. We remember God's love at Advent when we remember that God sent Jesus to us to help us know that God is loving and just.

FIRST READER: Read Isaiah 11:1-10

DISCUSSION: When we think of God's love, we might not always think of the words of the prophets. But when we read this picture of the peaceable kingdom, we are amazed by God's love that allows a child to lead.

Who are the people in our world who need the message of God's love?

What are our hopes for how people today can receive the message of God's love?

How do we help others know God's love?

PRAYER: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words found in our Bible that help us remember your love and care. Help us see how we can bring God's message to the people we meet in our schools, at our jobs, and in our neighborhoods. Help us be messengers of God's love for everyone.

Monday, December 6, 2010: Read again Isaiah 11:1-10. Create a poster by drawing pictures of the wondrous things you see in the world around you that God has created. Create your picture of God's kingdom of peace. Give thanks for the world and all people in the world.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010: Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of God's love? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010: Love is something we need in our church. Think about the people in our church. Select one person in our church. Pray for that person today.

Thursday, December 9, 2010: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 10, 2010: Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God's love? Pray for this family member today.

 Saturday, December 11, 2010: There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God's love. Select someone to visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone who waits on you at the grocery store. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she brings peace to you.

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT - HOPE

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FIRST WEEK THEME: HOPE


Light the first candle on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

FIRST READER: This is the first Sunday in Advent. Today we light one purple candle. This is the candle of hope. Advent is a time of waiting and hoping. We wait for the day when we celebrate again the birth of Jesus. We hope that everyone will come to know God and to worship God.

(Light the first candle)


SECOND READER: When we look at the first candle we remember God's promise. God promised to send a Savior to the people. When we listen to our Scripture reading, we learn what the prophet Isaiah wrote about God. God fulfills the promises made to care for people. God is loving and just. God brings peace. This gives us hope. We look forward to the time when everything is fair, when the world is at peace, and all people are treated justly.

FIRST READER:  Read Isaiah 2:1-5
 
DISCUSSION: This Scripture offers us the hope of God's kingdom where there is peace and has the wonderful sentence, "…let us walk in the light of the Lord!"
Who are the people in our world who need hope?
What are the hopes we have for our world today?
How do we help others know that God gives hope?

PRAYER: Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words of the Prophet Isaiah that remind us that you are the source of our hope. Help us to remember to walk in the light of the Lord. AMEN


DURING THE WEEK


Monday, November 29, 2010: Today read again Isaiah 2:1-5. Pick one verse and memorize it.  How do you think this verse gives hope to people?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010: Is there someone you know who needs to hear words of hope? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010: Hope is something we need in our world. Think about different leaders in the world. Select one world leader. Pray for that world leader today.

Thursday, December 2, 2010: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray, asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

Friday, December 3, 2010: Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God's hope? Pray for this family member today.

Saturday, December 4, 2010: There are people in our neighborhoods, in our church, and in our community who need to know of God's hope. Select someone to visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone you always see at the library. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she helps you feel hopeful.

Homeless Are People Too

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It’s a cold November morning here in Kansas City. I have no home, no job, no food, no transportation, no friends, no family, no clothes but what I am wearing and the one extra shirt I am carrying in a plastic bag, and three dirty one dollar bills some man in a suit gave me out front of Starbucks just a little bit ago. I really appreciated that $3 because now I can grab a bagel and a cup of coffee for breakfast. I am hungry.

My main concerns today are where I am going to eat, where am I going to sleep and how I am going to stay warm. It’s hard to think beyond today, because if tomorrow is like today then it’s too much to bear, so I don’t think about it. I have no plan but to survive today. I am sad.

People don’t look at me, oh yes they see me, but they don’t acknowledge me for fear I may hurt them, or ask them for money. I am not a part of society, I am outside of it. Regular people on the streets don’t seem to care; I am a bum, a no-good bum who should just go get a job and work for a living. I am broken.

How can I get a job? I have no clothes, I smell bad, I don’t interact well with others since people won’t dare talk to me I’ve lost practice. What’s normal, me or them? I really don’t know, I have forgotten. I’ve been homeless for four years now, that’s almost 1500 days I’ve been on the streets, it’s almost all I can remember. I am prisoner to the streets. I am scared.

I guess the worst part of being homeless is that I feel so alone. Oh I talk to a few of my fellow homeless comrades when at the soup kitchen, but that is pretty superficial conversation, “Hi, how are you?” crap. I do talk a little to the people that run the soup kitchen, and they are nice, and I really appreciate what they do for me. I understand they are trying to help and they even care about me, but their not my friend, not really. Their like the cashier at a grocery store. I am alone in a crowded city, and it’s the worse feeling ever!

My one wish, even more than the money I panhandle for, is that you would just acknowledge me. Look me in the eye, say “hello” or “how are you?” Treat me like a human being, like a person, a person with a heart, a soul. I have feelings too ya know? I have grown a little callous over the years, but you can soften me up, you can make me feel like a normal person again. Just love me, respect me because I am a person too. I am homeless, but I am a person too.