Monday, Monday

The Mamas and the Papas were right: "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day. . . ." But TGIM (Thank God It's Monday), right? A chance to be a part of God's work in our lives at our workplaces. (Except for me--Monday's my day off. But there's still plenty of work to do!)


So, today's question of the day is here:
Mon, Jan. 5: What does the rainbow after the flood symbolize? (Gen 9)

And yesterday's question and answer is here:
Sun, Jan. 4: To what does Psalm 1 compare to a tree planted by streams of water?
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.


And here's the reflection for the day:
Dawning of the Light
Matthew 4:16 16 ". . . the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

A world without God is darkness and chaos--"the land of the shadow of death." But a world with God has light. This is one of the things we celebrate during Advent, the season of waiting and expectation. As we light an increasing number of candles on the Advent wreath, it represents the light of Christ increasing. As we light more and more candles we celebrate that his birth is getting closer and closer. But it's not just his birth that we celebrate but also to his coming again.

Last night at our prayer group, we were praying for the violence in the Middle East. And we prayed that Jesus would show himself to be the Prince of Peace, bringing his reign of peace into our broken and warring world. We prayed that Jesus indeed would come, today if possible. And as we wait for that great day, we also prayed that we would be God's instruments in the world's brokenness in the mean time.

God calls us to be like the moon. The moon does not generate its own light; it reflects the light from the sun. So too should we reflect the light from the Son. His light is breaking through our darkness in the land of the shadow of death, chasing away the sin and darkness that hides inside each one of us. As our church sign now reads, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Ps 119:105). Let's God's light illumine your path this day and always.


It made my heart glad to see so many people stand up for our Year of the Bible Kickoff ceremony! I want those of you who are reading from a distance know that our congregation is praying for you--for strength and fortitude and persistence as you continue to read!

Have a splendid day!
Allison