New and Fresh

House of Sealtiel

2ND FLOOR

January 15, 2025
 

"Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. 

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, 

and both the wine and the skins are ruined. 

Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” 

(Mark 2:22)

Jesus makes you new and fresh. He washes away your sins and regrets, fills your heart with love and grace and guides your steps with light and faith. He heals your wounds and gives you rest,

He strengthens your spirit and renews your mind, transforms your life and makes you shine. He invites you to join His family and His quest, offers you salvation and eternal life. He is your Lord and your friend, your hope and your joy.

Be ready to accept a new life in Christ. He is the fulfillment of the prophecy of old. Open your heart to His new teachings and do not be afraid to let go of the things you are accustomed to do. His thoughts are not your thoughts and His ways are not your ways. He will open up for you new beginnings, a new reality that He has come, the alpha and the omega, the first and the last. He loves you with an everlasting love, giving you a new birth. He empowers you with His Spirit and His Word, He equips you with His gifts and His purpose.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING

Mark 2:18-22

18 The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. 22 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” 

Reflection Source:

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“Come and You will See”

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 14, 2025

He said to them, 

“Come, and you will see.” 

So they went and saw 

where Jesus was staying, 

and they stayed with him that day. 

It was about four in the afternoon. 

(John 1:39)

Jesus invites you to come and see the wonders of His grace and love. He welcomes you with open arms to share His joy and peace. In Him, you shall see the beauty of His creation and plan. He reveals to you His purpose and will to guide your steps and path. You shall see and experience the power of His cross and the glory of His resurrection. He offers you His forgiveness and life to heal your wounds and soul.

Be a follower of Jesus and walk in His light. He is the way, the truth, and the life. The one true source of all that is right. Learn from His word. He is your "Rabbi" (teacher), master, and friend. He is the wisdom of God to the end. Serve with His love. He is the leader, the shepherd, and the king, the best model and example of how to live.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the way, the truth, and the life; the one true source of all that is right. Teach me O Lord and heal me. Guide my steps and path towards the fulfillment of Your will and purpose for my life. 

Thank You so much  for making me one with You to see and experience the wonders of Your grace, love, and peace. I shall follow You O Lord all the days of my life for without You I am nothing but with You, I can be everything that I want and wish for in life. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. 

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

John 1:35-51

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” 37 The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi”—which translated means Teacher—, “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah”—which is translated Christ. 42 Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas”—which is translated Peter.

Reflection Source:

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Follow Jesus

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 13, 2025

As He passed by, 

he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, 

sitting at the customs post. 

Jesus said to him, 

“Follow me.” 

And he got up and followed Jesus.

(Mark 2:14)

Jesus came not for the righteous but for the broken and the lost. He came not for the perfect but for the ones who need the cross. He came to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, free the captives and renew the weary mind. He came to seek and save the ones who went astray, to show the way, the truth and the life. He came to die for sinners and to rise again in power. He came to offer grace and to be our Savior.

Follow Jesus. Trust Him and believe in His love and His grace. Obey Him and walk in His footsteps and His ways. Serve Him and share His gospel and His light, Worship Him and praise His name and His might. Know Him and grow in His word and His spirit. Love Him and cherish His presence and His gift.

Lord Jesus, 

You came not for the righteous but for the broken and the lost. Please make me whole again and show me the right way. 

Thank You so much for being my Lord and Savior. I shall follow You all the days of my life knowing and believing that only You can bring to fulfillment all of my life's wishes and desires. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE CALL OF LEVI

Mark 2:13-17

13 Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. 15 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Reflection Source:

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Rise, Pick up your mat, and Go home

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 12, 2025

He said to the paralytic, 

“I say to you, rise, 

pick up your mat, and go home.”

(Mark 2:11)

This is the call that Jesus makes to all who are weary and burdened and need His rest and healing grace. Think of Jesus in your heart and keep your faith in Him alive. He is the source of light and life who loves you with an everlasting love. He died for you to make you right. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother, comforts you in times of trouble and guides you by His Holy Spirit.

Jesus has authority to forgive sins on earth. He came not to judge, but to save those who believe in His worth. He healed the sick, the lame, the blind, and the deaf. He showed compassion, mercy, grace, and love in every breath. He offers us forgiveness, new life, and peace with God inviting us to follow Him, and share in His reward.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. I humbly come before You today, broken in heart and spirit, but strong in faith that only You can heal me and make miracles in my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and grant me the grace and favor to rise up and be whole again, free from any sickness and pains, and strong and ready to face the challenges of everyday living. 

Thank You so much for granting my prayer requests and petitions eventhough I am not deserving of Your grace and favor. 

With much love and praise I pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE HEALING OF A PARALYTIC

Mark 2:1-12

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralyticwas lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” 

Reflection Source:

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For this Purpose have I come

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 10, 2025

He told them, 

“Let us go on to the nearby villages 

that I may preach there also. 

For this purpose have I come.” 

(Mark 1:31)

Jesus came to this world with a mission to preach the good news of God's kingdom, to heal the sick and the brokenhearted, to set the captives free and the oppressed liberated. He spoke with authority and wisdom, performed miracles and signs with compassion, challenged the hypocrites and the wicked and forgave the sinners and the repentant. 

Look for Jesus in the midst of the pain. He is the healer who can mend your wounds and scars, the comforter who can soothe your sorrows and fears, the friend who can love you unconditionally. 

Look for Jesus in the midst of the storm. He is the one who can calm the wind and the waves, the one who can give you peace and courage, the one who can save you from the raging sea. 

Look for Jesus in the midst of the darkness. He is the light of the world that shines in the night, the truth that sets you free from the lies, the way that leads you to the eternal life.

Lord Jesus, 

You came to preach the good news of God's kingdom, heal the sick and the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free and the oppressed liberated. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. I long to hear Your voice and Your will. Help me to obey all Your commands and Your calling. I seek to please You and do You good. 

Thank You so much for the plans You have for me, to prosper me and work all things for my good and benefit, according to Your purpose. 

Amen

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE CURE OF SIMON'S MOTHER-IN-LAW / OTHER HEALINGS / JESUS LEAVES CAPERNAUM

Mark 1:29-31 / 32-34 / 35-39

29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. (Mark 1:29-39)

Reflection Source:

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You are My beloved Son

House of Angel Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 06, 2025

And a voice came from the heavens, 

“You are my beloved Son; 

with You I am well pleased.”

(Mark 1:11)

Jesus is the beloved Son of God. He came to earth to show us love, healed the sick and raised the dead, fed the hungry with bread. He taught us to forgive and pray, showed us the truth and the way. He died for us on the cross and paid the price for our loss. He rose again on the third day, conquered death and sin, ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us. He is our Savior and our Lord who loves us more than we can know. He invites us to follow Him and grow.

With Jesus, God is well pleased. He is the perfect Lamb of God, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets who came to obey the Father's will. He is the light of the world who revealed the glory of God and manifested the grace of God. He is the King of kings having all authority and power and reigns forever and ever.

Jesus baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. He gives you a new birth and a new life. He fills you with power and gifts and enables you to serve and witness. He cleanses you from sin and guilt, sanctifies you and makes you holy and transforms you and makes you like Him. He comforts you and guides you, teaches you and reminds you. He leads you and directs you because His most Holy Spirit resides in you.

Lord Jesus, I receive Your Most Holy Spirit. I open my heart and my life to You, surrendering to Your will and Your plan as I desire to know You and love You more. Thank You so much for Your grace and Your mercy, Your salvation and Your healing. I humbly ask You to fill me with Your power and Your gifts. I seek You to guide me with Your wisdom and Your truth. I follow You to serve You with Your love and Your joy and worship You for Your glory and Your majesty. Amen.

Pericope:

I: The Preparation for the Public Ministry of Jesus

THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:7-11)

Reflection Source:

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You will See Greater Things

House of Angel Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR

Jesus answered and said to him, 

“Do you believe because I told you 

that I saw you under the fig tree? 

You will see greater things than this.” 

(John 1:50)

Jesus sees you in your darkest hour. He knows your pain and sorrow. He is the one who can heal and restore, the hope, the joy, the tomorrow. Jesus sees you in your brightest day. He shares your happiness and gratitude. He is the one who can bless and multiply, the grace, the peace, the attitude. Jesus sees you in your every moment. He cares for your soul and spirit. He is the one who can guide and empower, the faith, the love, the merit.

In Jesus, you shall see greater things than what this world can offer you. He is the source of life and truth, the way, the light, the king of kings. You shall see greater things than miracles and signs and wonders. He is the one who loves and cares, the friend, the shepherd, the savior. You shall see greater things than what your eyes can comprehend. He is the alpha and omega, the first, the last, the very end.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the one who gives me hope and faith, the way, the truth, the life. I thank You for Your love and grace that You have shown me in my life. 

You are the one who enables me and equips me, the helper, the teacher, the gift. I ask You for Your power and presence that You would fill me with Your spirit.

You are the one who leads me and guides me, the shepherd, the friend, the key. I trust You for your plan and purpose that you have prepared for me. 

You are the one who reveals to me and inspires me, the vision, the glory, the king. I believe You for Your promise and prophecy that I shall see greater things. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

John 1:35-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51)

Reflection Source:

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Look for Jesus

House of Sealtiel
2ND FLOOR
January 03, 2025

Jesus turned and saw them 

following him and said to them, 

“What are you looking for?” 

They said to him, “Rabbi” 

(which translated means Teacher), 

“where are you staying?” 

(John 1:38)

Look for Jesus in the morning when the sun begins to rise. He will fill your heart with joy and brighten up your eyes. Look for Jesus in the noonday when the world is in a rush. He will give you peace and calm and help you overcome the crush. Look for Jesus in the evening when the shadows start to fall. He will be your light and guide and answer when you call. Look for Jesus in the night time when the darkness fills your mind. He will comfort you and heal you and show you he is kind.

We have found the Messiah, 

He is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, 

the one the prophets foretold. 

He is the Son of God, 

the Lamb who breaks the mold. 

He is the one who heals and saves, 

the King of kings, the Lord who rules the waves. 

He is the one who loves and cares, 

the Prince of peace, the Friend who always shares. 

He is the one who died and rose, 

the Alpha and Omega, the Source from which life flows. 

Lord Jesus, 

You rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. I look on You as my Lord and Savior. 

Help me to always find You not just in my inner self but also in others. I am a sinner who will always beg for Your pardon and mercy. Forgive me dear Lord for the countless times I have not been just, fair and honest in my dealings. 

May I always follow Your ways in all my days now and forever. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE FIRST DISCIPLES

John 1:35-51

Gospel Acclamation

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

Gospel | John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter. (John 1:35-42)

Recognize Jesus

Villa Alessa
FAMILY BONDING
January 01, 2025

John answered them, 

“I baptize with water; 

but there is one among you 

whom you do not recognize, 

the one who is coming after me, 

whose sandal strap 

I am not worthy to untie.”

(John :126-27)

Jesus is one among you whom you do not recognize. He walks beside you on the road, He shares your joys and cries, He listens to your hopes and fears, He knows your deepest needs, He offers you His grace and peace, He plants his kingdom seeds. Jesus works with you in daily tasks, shows you what is wise, guides you with His gentle hand, teaches you His ways, blesses you with gifts and skills, and fills your life with praise. 

Jesus is Your Lord and Savior who loves you with a perfect love, calls you by your name, waits for you to turn to Him, longs to be your friend, invites you to His table, and wants your love to mend. Come to Jesus and recognize His presence over your life.

Jesus is in the stranger, knocking at the door, 

who asks for food and shelter, and a little more 

as if you were the least of these, the hungry and the poor 

till at last your gracious welcome makes His presence sure. 

Jesus is in the scripture, speaking through the word, 

who tells the ancient stories, and the truths they stirred 

as if you were the living Word, the lamp unto our feet 

till at last your Spirit opens our minds to all we meet. 

Jesus is in the glory, shining from above, 

who fills the earth with beauty, and the heavens with love 

as if you were the King of kings, the Lord of all creation 

till at last your splendor dazzles our eyes with admiration.

Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be; lead me by Thine own hand, choose out the path for me. Smooth let it be or rough, it will be still the best; winding or straight, it leads right onward to thy rest.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

JOHN THE BAPTIST'S TESTIMONY TO HIMSELF

John 1:22-28

Gospel John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”  So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 

Reflection Source:

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Offer the Sacrifice

 

ALESSA WITH GRANDMAS
December 30, 2024

Every male that opens the womb 

shall be consecrated to the Lord, 

and to offer the sacrifice 

of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, 

in accordance with the dictate 

in the law of the Lord.

(Luke 2:23)

For every child that smiles with glee, it’s still about Jesus. For all the joy the season brings, every shiny, glowing thing, every Christmas light that shines without, it’s still about Jesus. Jesus is the light and glory of the Father's love so true. He came to earth to save us. The light and glory of the grace that sets us free who died and rose to conquer sin and death and misery. He is the hope that never fails who lives and reigns forever and His kingdom will forever prevail.

Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to the One who gave His life for you. He knows your every pain and strife and He will make all things new. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to the One who loves you more than all. He has a perfect plan and purpose, and He will never let you fall. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. He will fill you with His grace and power and He will be your strength in the fight.

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:22-40)

 

Villa Alessa

GAZEBO OFFICE

December 31, 2023 

God will guide your way not in your own understanding. He has plans for you that are far beyond human comprehension. Put your faith in the Lord and it will be credited to you an act of righteousness. The Lord will bless you with His love and kindness, transform you by His grace and holiness, and reward you with His joy and happiness. He will be your treasure and your delight and He will fill you with His glorious light. He will renew your mind and your heart and He will give you a new and fresh start. Nothing is impossible with the Lord.

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield; I will make your reward very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what good will your gifts be, if I keep on being childless and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?” Abram continued, “See, you have given me no offspring, and so one of my servants will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “No, that one shall not be your heir; your own issue shall be your heir.” The Lord took Abram outside and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. The Lord took note of Sarah as he had said he would; he did for her as he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had stated. Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his whom Sarah bore him. (Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3)

God remembers forever the covenant that He made binding for a thousand generations His faithful love and grace, His holy law and truth, His merciful kindness and peace. He keeps His promises to those who fear His name and He shows his mighty deeds to those who trust His ways. He teaches His statutes to those who seek His face and He guides His precepts to those who walk in His light. The Lord forgives His people for their sins and mistakes and He heals their wounds and restores their brokenness.

Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise; proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! Look to the Lord in his strength; constantly seek his face. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. He remembers forever the covenant that he made binding for a thousand generations which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9)

God who had made the promise is trustworthy. He never lied or changed His mind, He kept His word through all the ages, He was faithful and kind. He fulfilled His plan and purpose, sent His Son to save the world. He was gracious and generous. He gave His Spirit to His people, He empowered them to live and love. He was gentle and wonderful. By faith, obey the Lord and you shall surely receive your inheritance. We are the heirs of Christ and inherit the kingdom, a resurrection from the dead and a glory that is everlasting.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age—and Sarah herself was sterile— for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol. (Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)

Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, the Word was made flesh and lived among us, and we have seen Your glory, as the only Son of the Father. We reflect with thankful hearts on the wonder of Your birth, the love You expressed when you left. Your glory to come to earth was like a beacon, shining brightly in the night, filling the world with the radiance of the Father’s glorious light. 

Here I am Lord, I present myself to You. I’m a broken and contrite spirit yielding to You. I bow before You and empty myself of my own self-righteousness. I leave myself open before You holding nothing back. See me Lord and accept me now in all my human frailty. Cleanse me now I pray, wash me thoroughly here today. I humbly offer myself as a living sacrifice as I long to please and honor You in all I do. Complete Your work in me as I give unto You, this body You’ve given me, my heart, mind, and soul so, I can learn to be a holy, living sacrifice, to heed to Your will, an open, willing vessel to offer You my skill. With all the company of heaven, we worship, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, to Him be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE / THE RETURN TO NAZARETH

Luke 2:22-38 / 39-40

II. The Patriarch Abraham

THE COVENANT WITH ABRAM / BIRTH OF ISAAC

Genesis 15:1-21 / 21:1-21

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

GOD'S FIDELITY TO THE PROMISE

Psalm 105:1-43

V. Examples, Discipline, Disobedience

FAITH OF THE ANCIENTS

Hebrews 11:1-40

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

December 31, 2023, 8:44 AM