Gift of Life

12/22/2019

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

“Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.”

We are only 3 days away from Christmas. The season of Advent is meant to be a season of waiting and anticipation, but let me tell you it has flown by so quickly for me.

Maybe it’s because I get married in 11 days and have been busily finishing up things at work, packing to visit my family in Texas for Christmas, and meanwhile finishing planning a wedding. Honestly, I’m not sure if there has been a busier time in my life.

And yet, the thing I have truly felt the Lord calling me to do this Advent is to let go of my to-do lists, which let me tell you is not an easy thing to do, especially when you are planning a wedding. But in letting go of my to-do lists, God has been calling me to spend not only more time with Him, but also more time doing the things that I love and that bring me life. I’ve woken up much earlier than I need to on a number of occasions not only to pray but also to go to workout classes. I’ve spent more time with friends and have actually read a book for fun!

God became man to bring us LIFE, and that life is a GIFT. God gives us life not only to find joy in Him but also to find joy in the little things, in doing the things we love, and in simply being ourselves. The Lord wants to enter our lives in a real and profound way not only in this season, but in every day of our lives. I think the problem is that often we are too stuck in a rut filled with lists and worries and seemingly no time to enjoy this gift of life.

Do not let time just pass by. Do not just let this be another season. It’s not too late to allow yourself to put down your to-do lists, your worries, your busyness, and let the Lord enter your life and your heart in a new and profound way in these final days of Advent. Give yourself the time to encounter the Lord and do what you love and simply be with those you love.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What are the things getting in the way of you truly embracing the joys God has given you?

How can you find the balance of staying responsible, but also enjoying life to the fullest?

If you could change one thing right now to enjoy the gifts God has given you, what would that be and why?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Here I am Lord."

"Jesus, I trust in You."

"Thank You Jesus."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Spend some time doing something you love today. And make that a prayer. Invite God into that moment and let Him magnify the joy you receive.

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CARPE VERBUM