{"id":3465,"date":"2017-12-16T00:15:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T23:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/?p=3465"},"modified":"2017-12-16T00:42:53","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T23:42:53","slug":"2017-advent-hope-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/16\/2017-advent-hope-7\/","title":{"rendered":"2017: Advent Hope #7"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"
\n(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)
\n <\/p>\n

OUR HOPE<\/em><\/p>\n

Luke 2:28\u201332  (NRSVA)<\/span><\/h3>\n

28<\/sup> Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,<\/p>\n

29<\/sup>       \u2018Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
\n                according to your word;
\n30<\/sup>       for my eyes have seen your salvation,
\n31<\/sup>       which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
\n32<\/sup>       a light for revelation to the Gentiles
\n                and for glory to your people Israel.\u2019<\/p>\n

Thought<\/h3>\n

What do you hope for this Advent? Simeon had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah and he lived in the hope of that promise being fulfilled. When he met the baby Jesus he knew immediately that he had not waited in vain. <\/p>\n

In his prayer of thanksgiving, Simeon also prophesied that Jesus would not only minister to the Jews; he would be the hope of the Gentiles too. That gives hope and a promise to me and you. The child of Bethlehem, the Christ upon the cross, Jesus the Saviour of the world, our Redeemer.<\/p>\n

Poem: Advent hope<\/span><\/h3>\n

Advent, a time of waiting in expectant anticipation
\nFor the celebration of Messiah\u2019s birth
\nFor the visit of shepherds and wise men
\nFor Angels singing peace on earth<\/p>\n

Advent, a time of earnest preparation
\nFor the return of the king
\nFor the establishment of his kingdom
\nAnd the peace that it will bring<\/p>\n

Advent, a time of trusting and hoping
\nFor God\u2019s promises to come true
\nFor the love of God to fill the earth
\nBeginning with me and with you<\/p>\n

Advent, a time which God has set aside
\nFor each to watch and pray
\nTo seek a deeper understanding
\nOf his purposes for us each day.<\/em><\/p>\n

Prayer <\/h3>\n

Our hope is in the Lord. <\/p>\n

Lord, help us to hold onto our Advent hope as we journey with you through these days, getting our hearts ready to welcome Jesus this Christmas. <\/p>\n

Help us to listen for your word and be directed by your spirit so that when Jesus returns he will find us ready for him. May we truly be servants who act upon your word and live in hope of your coming to reign. <\/p>\n

Come Lord Jesus!
\nAmen<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nXTRA XTRA XTRA<\/em>
\nChurch of Scotland Advent Calendar<\/strong><\/a>
\nJourney daily with characters in the Nativity through video, reflection and prayer\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)   OUR HOPE Luke 2:28\u201332  (NRSVA) 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29       \u2018Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,                 according to your word; 30       for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31       which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32       … Continue reading “2017: Advent Hope #7”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[13,14,63,3],"tags":[96,98],"class_list":["post-3465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bible","category-meditation","category-poetry","category-prayer","tag-advent-2017","tag-hope"],"yoast_head":"\n2017: Advent Hope #7 - 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The virgin\u2019s name was Mary.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/blue_flower.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3307,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/11\/2017-advent-hope-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":3465,"position":1},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #2","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 11, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 ADVENT HOPE Isaiah 9:6\u20137 \u00a0(NRSVA) 6 For a child has been born for us, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 a son given to us; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0authority rests upon his shoulders; \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 and he is named \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Wonderful Counselor,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/checkpoint_charlie.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3288,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/10\/2017-advent-hope-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":3465,"position":2},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #1","author":"Irene Bom","date":"December 10, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 Rev. Kim Hurst, minister in Valetta, Malta, has prepared a series of blog posts for the coming week on the theme of Advent Hope to comfort and encourage us, featuring thoughts and poems and prayers. To introduce the theme, I've selected a Scripture verse, a resounding\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/geneva_refuge.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3371,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/12\/2017-advent-hope-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":3465,"position":3},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #3","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 12, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 ELIZABETH'S HOPE Luke 1:24\u201325 \u00a0(NRSVA) 24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 \u201cThis is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/candles.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/candles.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/candles.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/candles.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3455,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2017\/12\/15\/2017-advent-hope-6\/","url_meta":{"origin":3465,"position":4},"title":"2017: Advent Hope #6","author":"Kim Hurst","date":"December 15, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle) \u00a0 ISRAEL'S HOPE Isaiah 11:1\u20133 \u00a0(NRSVA) 1 A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 the spirit of wisdom and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "bible"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/strings_attached.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/strings_attached.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/strings_attached.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/strings_attached.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5728,"url":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2018\/12\/03\/3-prayers-for-advent\/","url_meta":{"origin":3465,"position":5},"title":"3 Prayers for Advent","author":"Irene Bom","date":"December 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 To kick off this month's theme, Prepare, here are 3 short prayers to ready our hearts for Christmas and for Jesus' Kingdom to come, now and in the future. \u00a0 (Links to additional resources for Advent included below.) \u00a0 Prayer of Invocation (inspired by Matthew 11:3-5) O God, we\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "prayer"","block_context":{"text":"prayer","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/prayer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/autumn_leaves.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Kim Hurst","author_link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/author\/kimhurst\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/bible\/\" rel=\"category tag\">bible<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/meditation\/\" rel=\"category tag\">meditation<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/poetry\/\" rel=\"category tag\">poetry<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/category\/prayer\/\" rel=\"category tag\">prayer<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)   OUR HOPE Luke 2:28\u201332  (NRSVA) 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29       \u2018Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,                 according to your word; 30       for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31       which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32      …","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3465\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}