1. Second Week of Advent Theme : Prepare your heart & your home to receive His coming We celebrate the Good News of God’s incredible love for His people. Every messenger of this Good News reminds us: “He is coming to save us; He will make all things new; prepare a way for Him; receive Him into your heart and your home.” One Week of Advent has passed. How much attention have you given to living a renewed life to prepare for His coming?

2. To prepare for the Lord’s Coming may not be as easy as it sounds. If we are serious about this preparation, it may even demand that we change whatever attitude and lifestyles that does not bring peace to our hearts and homes. Lord, help me to become what You and Your Father want me to become. Growth is always painful and changing my old habits takes time and patience. Help me to accept my need for such changes that more people will “see and hear” You through me.

3. Advent is also a time to return to the basics. It is good to ask ourselves, “What is really important and essential in my life?” To be able to make such distinctions from the 90% non-essentials of life will help us focus more on how God really wants us to live our lives... instead of wasting the precious time and life that God has given us. Is God happy with the way I spend my time? “ I am the Alpha and the Omega” says the Lord God. -- Rev 1:8

4. If you have strayed from the basics, let this Advent be an invitation to return to them. If you have placed your work ahead of your family, let this Advent be an invitation to correct this situation. If we have placed success ahead of your personal relationship with God, let this Advent be an invitation to come closer to God.

5. Let us close with a prayer : My Dear Lord, It is easy for me to get carried away by the tasks of my daily work and forget the more important reason of Why I work! Lord, I love my family and friends so much but again, I get carried away; I drift into routine and complacency and forget to appreciate them. Lord, these are some of the things in my daily life that show how I can so easily “loose the sense of direction of my life.” Lord, lead me back on the right track. Most importantly, keep me close to You. Deep within me You know I love You. So, keep this flame within me alive. I am more resolved to make this Advent preparation a more meaningful one!

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