Angel,
Thanks for sharing these messages on meditation.  Wonderful food for 
thought.
Merry Christmas and peace to you and your son.
Virgie and Hoshi
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Angel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 12:10 PM
Subject: Meditation:


Sunday, December 17, 2006

Meditation
Philippians 4:4-7
Readings
Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4)
It's not hard to spot the theme of today's readings. On this day,
traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, God invites us to rejoice, because
Jesus is very near. He is close at hand, in our midst, even as we prepare to
celebrate his birth next week. And so we step aside from ordinary
preoccupations to spend the day exulting, for great in [our] midst is the
Holy One (Isaiah 12:6). Great in our midst is Jesus! So sing praise today,
because by his death on the cross, Jesus has removed the judgment against
you-and against everyone. His blood washes away our sins and makes us
presentable, pleasing, to the Father. Shout joyfully, because he has
strengthened us against our enemies. Fear, jealousy, anger, infirmity of all
kinds, hatred, envy, idolatry, strife-these are our enemies, and we can have
victory over them in Christ.
Rejoice, too, because Jesus enables us to live in peace (Philippians
4:7)-despite the enemies who hang on, refusing to acknowledge their defeat.
We can always turn to the Lord in prayer. He is always near. He knows our
every thought, our every tear, our every desire. He sympathizes with our
weaknesses, and lavishes us with mercy and the grace to help us in our need.
Exult and be glad, for our God delights in us! He sings joyfully because of
us-not because we are so holy and faithful but because his Holy Spirit lives
in us. He rejoices over our redemption and over the fact that we can live a
new life, with his love filling our hearts and overflowing to all around us.
He rejoices that we can share his good news with others and that we can live
in peace, honesty, and integrity. Every day, the Holy Spirit in us can renew
our spirits and give us hope. Every day, the love of God can abound in our
hearts and lift us up to heaven.
I praise you, Lord Jesus! You are great, and I rejoice in you! Fill me with
your Holy Spirit, so that I can live confident in your presence and know
your victory over my enemies.
Zephaniah 3:14-18; (Psalm) Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:10-18