Psalm 126 ~ Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.


Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Zechariah 13:9b
They will call upon my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”


Ephesians 4:2
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love


1 Timothy 6:10-12
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Luke 24:47-49a
That repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.

Advent is a time of expectation and preparation. We leave the year with Jesus choosing to live our lives and share our human condition. The life we have had, we reflect upon at Christmas. Without gratitude life looks pointless. Giving thanks is one of the few gifts we can give the LORD, gifts HE did not bestow upon us.


Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Father God, Holy is Your name. Your will be done on this earth, as in Heaven. Be our peace. Let the message of God's saving grace pour Your Love on this life. The word YOU sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ, Lord of all. In Jesus Christ, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable and pleasing to YOU, our rock and redeemer. "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Amen.

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