2020 Advent Devotions
Monday, November 30 - Stephanie Schank
Isaiah 43 1-2 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
During October, I remember my Dad, his passion to enjoy the outdoors, his love of baseball, what a wonderful husband and father he was, and I think about how much I miss him. As autumn begins and we celebrate a fall harvest and the brilliant hues of the changing leaves, we can honor our bonds with one another, our family members who are no longer with us, and our connection with God.
I remember attending a funeral service where we sang the beautiful hymn You Are Mine. As I sat in the pew next to some of my closest friends, I felt a sense of calm from the song’s lyrics and from having my Church family close to me. The Lord knows each of us and we are part of his family. We should take comfort knowing that he offers his hand to us so that we can walk with him, now and always.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us all to remember that we are claimed by you, you are with us always, and you are caring for our loved ones that are at home with you. Amen.
Isaiah 43 1-2 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
During October, I remember my Dad, his passion to enjoy the outdoors, his love of baseball, what a wonderful husband and father he was, and I think about how much I miss him. As autumn begins and we celebrate a fall harvest and the brilliant hues of the changing leaves, we can honor our bonds with one another, our family members who are no longer with us, and our connection with God.
I remember attending a funeral service where we sang the beautiful hymn You Are Mine. As I sat in the pew next to some of my closest friends, I felt a sense of calm from the song’s lyrics and from having my Church family close to me. The Lord knows each of us and we are part of his family. We should take comfort knowing that he offers his hand to us so that we can walk with him, now and always.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us all to remember that we are claimed by you, you are with us always, and you are caring for our loved ones that are at home with you. Amen.