FROM THE STUDY of Donegal Presbyterian Church

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means, ‘God is with us.’”

                                                               Matthew 1:23 NRSV

     “There are going to be difficult winter days.  For one thing, nature is hard and living things die in this season.  Neighborhood birds that brought us so many songs in summer are fighting for their lives in the storms and cold.  Not many humans have to worry about that unless we are among those wandering homeless in our affluent streets.  What many of us do suffer at some time is the painful attempt to emotionally survive on the margins of the jubilant Christmas crowds,” so writes Tolbert McCarroll, a monk, spiritual director and author of eight books, in his wonderful book, A Winter Walk, Crossroad Pub. Co., 2006 p.75.

      Advent pushes us into winter and the uneasy realization that things could be better depending on:

  the weather

  meeting the expectations of others

  juggling far too many complicated schedules

  our health

  our economic condition

  our faith in the concept of Emmanuel, “God is with us” – TRUE OR FALSE??

      The good news is that a faithful celebration of Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, can lead to a joyous, hope-filled embrace of the Christmas Season.  (THINK 12 DAYS!)  In light of the current economic crisis here are some spiritual nuggets for your consideration, passed on to me by Tim Merrill, senior editor of Homiletics.

  How does adversity affect our joy and peace?

  Are you capable of having peace and joy while in the center of the storm?

  Count your “blessings.”  Are your basic needs being met?

  How might this crisis help push your vision of what God’s will is for you?

  In times of crisis, community, friendships and relationships are huge.  Nurture these. 

  Pray for the grace and strength you need for today. 

  Above all else, “God is with us”!

 TOM 

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The Cross         Universal symbol of Christian faith

The Dove         The presence of God as the Holy Spirit

The Fish           Early symbol of being a Christian

The Book          The Word of God

The Pulpit         Preaching the Word of God

The Cup           Chalice and baptismal font: 

                       Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

The Fire            The burning bush (Exodus 3) and Pentecost (Acts 2)

The Triangle     The Trinity

The Presbyterian Handbook, Geneva Press, Louisville, KY,

2006, p.78.

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Last Edited on 12/06/2008