LAKE JAMES

NORTH CAROLINA

Affirming Each Other In Faith

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,

Persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us. In this way, we can live with courage, trusting that there is a spiritual power in us when we are together that allows us to live in this world without surrendering to the powerful forces constantly seducing us toward despair. That is how we dare say that God is a God of life even when we see death and destruction and agony all around us. We say it together. We affirm it in each other. Waiting together, nurturing what has already begun, expecting its fulfillment – that is the meaning of marriage, friendship, community, and the Christian life.

O God, thank you for the friends and Christian companions who help to keep us faithfully focused on you and on the Gospel.

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The above is taken from Advent Meditations by the late Father Henri Nouwen and well worth pondering during this season of silent watchfulness as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Our Lord, as well as His Second Coming. A.T.K.Z.+

This page last modified on Friday, April 11, 2008 09:40 PM