Tuesday, December 12, 2023  

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Today’s Hymn

Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide.
Let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.

Georg Weissel’s “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”
trans. Catherine Winkworth
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

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Reflection

Advent. I struggle with it. I love the season. The waiting, the anticipation of Christ’s arrival, the patience, and the awaiting it all. But so often I’m pulled into setting up the tree, lunches, parties, shopping early deals, and, working at a church, a lot more to do. Honestly, I lose Advent most years.

This hymn reminds us to open our hearts to God, to the Redeemer that is approaching! Our hearts are a temple of God, in our inner presence, healing our brokenness, giving us love at all times. Whether it be good times or hard times, God is with us. Our brokenness as humans all comes to fruition on Christmas.

I hope that we all do take time in Advent to remember to help out others and give simple texts or phone calls to folks who are important to us. Even in this busy season of life, a little can go a long distance, sharing God’s love with others.

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Prayer
Loving God, as we are in this Advent season, help us to slow down, open our hearts to you, and feel your presence each day. Amen.

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Written by Briana Belding-Peck, Family Ministry Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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