I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott

I've said it before and I'll say it again:


So when I am asked to participate in a group (such as with the preteen girls' lock-in a couple months back) and assigned a portion of scripture or a concept to teach, I am enthusiastic.

Just so long as I don't get, "Say this and then say this and then..."  I mean, if someone has to give me that much direction, why entrust me with teaching?

I have recently been asked to contribute to a daily Advent series in another blogging community.  The request was for me to choose a day from those listed (I chose December 9th), and to use one of a set of scriptures listed in a particular lectionary, though I may use whatever Biblical translation I wish to present it.  Oh, and one more thing:  I should keep it on the short side. ;-)

The scripture I have chosen from the list supplied is this: 

2 Thessalonians 1:5 It is a clear evidence of God's righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also are suffering, 6 since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction, away from the Lord's presence and from His glorious strength, 10 in that day when He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be admired by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.

11 And in view of this, we always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, I just need to pray and think short, devotional thoughts...

The key at Advent is that we are to be in an attitude of enhanced daily worship, as far as I can see. Much as it is with Lent before Easter in some faith traditions, Advent is a time to work on our relationship with our Creator, to worship him and give thanks for his coming.  For loving us enough to give up all...just for us.


In the lives of each of us, every day.