Endings and Beginnings

I finished "Aggressive Christianity" last night - not the easiest read but as I said before, definitely challenging. Here is the final inspiration: Without the power of God you cannot transform (their) hearts. That is too much for the human to do. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.

I'm not a big fan of Christmas as the world views it. But, there are some traditions that I love and one I've tried to maintain each year is to personally observe the Advent season by reading and studying something specific to Christ's Coming. Last year I read Isaiah. This year I've returned to one of my favorites: The Upper Room's "A Guide to Prayer" ( www.upperroom.org ). I love the way it takes me through the Prophetic and Messianic scriptures and focuses my thoughts directly on Jesus Christ. Monday from Colossians 1:18 came these important words: "...that in all things He may have the preeminence." And the reading for today:

And his coming and his presence are not only the result of our waiting or a prize for our efforts;

they are his decision, based on his love freely poured out.

He comes even in moments when we have done everything wrong, when we have done nothing...

from The God Who Comes by Carlo Carretto