Advent Devotional - Christmas Eve

Luke 2: 17-18:  The shepherds spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Love was born in Bethlehem, a town occupied by a foreign power. Love was born to a humble woman and man, in search of safe shelter: birth pangs among the cattle, a manger for a bed. Love was found by shepherds, those on the margins, dirty, raw from the wind and rain. This scripture tells us much about love. In its coming, love shows where it goes.

Love goes where the pain is greatest. Love goes to the lonely, the humble and poor, to the cold and the hungry and thirsty. Love goes to the outcast, the homeless, the oppressed. Love goes to those with broken hearts and broken dreams. Love goes to save the lost.

PRAYER
Gracious God, you have shown us in the sending of your Son, the depth of your love for us. Use us to be agents of your love for the world. Amen.

Rev. Susan Blank, Chaplain, Presbyterian Senior Care, Oakmont

Lenten Devotionals - Day 20

Scripture: Psalm 23

“he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.” (Ps. 23:3)

  In Lent, we are reminded to meditate, repent and restore our souls. The words of Psalm 23 teach us how. Jesus is our shepherd who guides and leads us to good places. As his sheep, he wants our commitment to follow him. When we follow him, we will find contentment in the pathways of life.

  When we sin, and go our own path, we cannot blame God for the environment we have created for ourselves. When one is an addict and going their own path into a sinful life of drugs or alcohol he is not following the Shepherd.

  But the story doesn't need to end there. 

  The shepherd seeks his sheep, when they are lost he looks for them. Even in the darkness of addiction, the shepherd is within reach. Seek his help in prayer, humility and repentance.

  Our souls can be depleted in normal life through work, busyness and life problems as well. Our souls are even more quickly depleted in the life of addiction. Multiple losses of job, money, family and the physical daily needs of drugs can deplete a soul to the point of survival mode.

  Addiction is a wrong path because Jesus is not guiding this path. Jesus leads us to still waters and down right paths. We only reach the "green pastures" and "still waters" by following him.

  So how can a soul be restored? Physical needs of sleep, food and shelter need to be met. Spiritual needs can be restored. Getting on your knees to pray to God, reflection, quiet and diversion of the lifestyle all can restore the soul.

  Psalm 119:105 tell us, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path.” In Jesus, he guides us down the right path. Addiction is a hard life circumstance although Jesus is shining his light the brightest in these dark times. Look for him in his word, in prayer and he will light the way to righteousness.

Lynn Mance, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: Those who feel lost and pray the Lord will restore their soul.

Click Here PDF - Day 20 Devotion

Local Resources — Somerset County

Somerset Single County Authority (SCA) for Drug and Alcohol

  300 North Center Avenue, Suite 360, Somerset, PA 15501

  Phone: (814) 445-1530          Fax: (814) 445-1524
Accessline: 1-800-452-0218

A 24-hour toll free number to provide human service information and referral.

http://www.co.somerset.pa.us/department.asp?deptnum=11