Advent Thoughts for Dec 7th-13th
Questions from the 2025 Advent lessons of Presbyterian Outlook Magazine
Sunday, Dec 7th Isaiah 11:6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child shall lead them.
In your life or the world, where do you most yearn for reconciliation among adversaries? how might you begin to envision peace there?
Monday, Dec 8th 1st Thessalonians 5:13b and 5:15 …Live in peace with each other. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Name one person or group outside your usual circle who could benefit from a simple act of kindness this week. What concrete step will you take to seek to do good for them?
Tuesday, Dec. 9th Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.
Where is God inviting you to make peace today-at home, work, church, online? What might your first faithful step toward peace look like? Listening without interrupting? Speaking the truth in love? Apologizing?
Wednesday, Dec. 10th Matthew 18:15 (words of Christ) “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”
Who to to mind when we read Jesus’ instructions to “go”? What first step toward a private, grace-filled conversation could you take this week?
Thursday, Dec 11th John 14:27 (spoken by Christ) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Where is your heart most troubled right now? Spend a few slow breaths repeating Jesus’ promise-and notice how Christ’s peace begins to settle in.
Friday, Dec 12th Matthew 5:38-39 (spoken by Christ) You have heard it said “Eye for and eye, and tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, Do not resist the an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right check, turn to him the other also.
Where is God inviting you to respond to hurt with creative, nonviolent courage? What might “turn the other check” look like in that specific situation this week?
Saturday Dec 13th Revelation 22:1-2 Then the angel of the Lord showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the a great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Where do you see a hint of Eden’s river today? What “leaf of healing” can you offer someone beyond your usual circle?