Friday, December 21, 2018

Advent Devotions: Friday, Dec. 21, 2018


Isaiah 55:1-5                                                             Come to the Waters
Ho, everyone who thirsts,
   come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
   and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
   and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
   listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
   my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
   a leader and commander for the peoples.
See, you shall call nations that you do not know,
   and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
   for he has glorified you.
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God speaks to the people through the prophet Isaiah and invites them to come to Him. He is speaking to the Jews who are in exile in Babylon. They are suffering and God is telling them that the covenant He made will keep them and bring them back to prosperity and happiness. We have received the promise of forgiveness of sins through the birth of Jesus. We rejoice in the fact that God has given us His son so that we might come to Him by believing that He will give us what we need to sustain life and be happy. This is not a handout. We must be faithful and pray for those who are our friends and enemies. We must help others and care for those who are in need no matter what they believe in. We here at Trinity reach out to others who need help through our social ministry. Everyone can contribute through their prayers and service.

Heavenly Father, we ask that You give us our daily bread and forgive us our sins. Give us the means to serve You by reaching out to others so that they can feel Your love and praise You. We ask your blessings on those we love and those who have special needs. Bless our enemies that they may be compassionate and loving. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dorothy Kafalas is a Deacon at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, NY

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