From The Pulpit To The Streets (stdavidsacna)

And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lordand my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation.He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble.He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be mercifulto Abraham and his descendants forever,just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-55, NIV)

Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding;“Christ is nigh,” it seems to say,“Cast away the works of darkness,O ye children of the day.”(Author Unknown)

Preaching in the wilderness, John the Baptizer called his audience to repentance. And he calls us, through the ages, to prepare our hearts to experience the presence of God. This Advent Season may we heed the call of the prophet from of yore.

This Sunday's Gospel reading talks about Christ's coming in a cloud with power and great glory. The day our Lord Jesus returns in glory is the day of our redemption. This Advent Season may we sing in joyful anticipation of Christ's return and our redemption.Now redemption, long expected,See in solemn pomp appear;All His saints, by man rejected,Now shall meet Him in the air:Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!See the day of God appear!(Originally written by John Cennick, later altered by C. Wesley and M. Madan)

On November 25, we celebrated Christ the King Sunday. In this liturgical season and always may we fix our gaze on the One who said that He was born so everyone may hear His voice of truth. Let not our Sundays be a glib once-a-week routine. Rather let Christ be our king every minute of every day.

We only have to turn on the news to learn about the many calamities that ravage our world. Super hurricanes, earthquakes, famines, and strife have become all too common. Scriptures refer to these dreadful occurrences as the terrible times of tribulation. In today’s Gospel reading Christ tells his followers to be warned of the plagues and false prophets of the end times.

The Gospel account of the "widow's mite" challenges us just as fervently as it did its original audience. While the wealthy men of the day ostentatiously dropped their gold and silver coins into the temple coffers, the poor widow offered unto God two measly copper coins. Yet Christ commended her, because he saw the intent of her heart, for she gave her all, even out of her poverty.

Are you sleeping, when the praises ring? The jailor in Acts 16 was found sleeping even when the imprisoned apostles were praising God. We all need to wake up just as he did.

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The question the wealthy young ruler had is not very different from the questions that plague our minds. "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Even as Jesus points to the commandments, He shows a weakness in the young man's adherence to the commandments. Was his worship, obedience, service and surrendering to God eclipsed by other priorities and more importantly was he willing to change?