1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Questions for Reflection:

What are things that are stressful about this month for you and how can focusing on the new earth to come bring you relief and comfort?

Prayer of the Week:

Today’s Opening Prayer (including 2 minutes of silence)

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank you for the opportunity to be in your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in you. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, immerse me now in my true identity as a child of my heavenly Father and my irreplaceable role in Your larger story.

Jesus, help me STOP and own my utter need for You as my Savior, Leader, Lord, Hope and Life …

Jesus, open me up to receive You and all You have for me today …

I rest in You …

(Spend two minutes of reflective silence with eyes closed … just rest in the presence of yourself and Jesus!)

Daily Closing Prayer

Jesus, through the waiting of this Advent give me a deeper desire for you. I long for your return to make all things new! Jesus, I renounce any and all ways I tend to replace You through the celebrations and preparations of this season. Help me Re-see ways this season actually ignites my passion and longing for You. I want more of you Jesus. I need, utterly need, more of You Jesus. Fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.

Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. I receive You now.

I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them.

I am waiting for your cue.

Amen