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But when he (Joseph) had resolved to do that (dismiss Mary who was pregnant, quietly), an angel of the Lord appeared to him a dream and said ”Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel”

 

What a glorious time as we observe the last Sunday of Advent, the longing, waiting and preparation for Christmas is upon us. God has given us glimpses with the prophesies to be fulfilled. Now the infant king is ready to be born after centuries of toil and tumult. Jesus is soon to arrive in the retelling of the Christmas story as we await his second coming in glory. The humble birth in a grotto and then Jesus was in a stone manger surrounded by God’s animals. Later came the shepherds and much later came the wise men.

Emmanuel, God is with us!

Let us pray-Dear God, We thank you for this time of reflection and prayer in Advent. We come as children excited for the arrival of Christ in our lives and a renewal of hope in the world.Amen.

 

Cindy Dougherty

beachspch@aol.com

 

Alternative verse-Isaiah 7:10-18, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

 

Prayer concern - Please remember those who are alone during the holidays. May they find comfort and joy.