Dec 2, 2018
Bible verse for meditation:
KJV
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they
that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the
light shined.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no
end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it,
and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth
even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
NRSV
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
What does this scripture mean to you?
Has it had a different effect this reading as compared to times
past?
How does this scripture make you feel?
Continue breathing deeply as you ponder this meaning.
Meditation on scripture / bible verse meditation:
Throughout Christian history the first Sunday in December has marked the beginning of Advent which is a Latin word which means “Coming.” Not only does it represent the Birth of Jesus and his coming into the world but we also can celebrate his coming into our hearts. Many people focus on hope during the first week of advent. It is appropriate that the Christmas season follows Thanksgiving. This feeling of gratitude can carry through our whole Christmas season and help us feel the hope and joy of the Gospel.
If God has been good to us as we realize our blessings we learn to trust that he always has and always will be good to us. For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given. His name is wonderful. Gratitude is the purest form of Hope. It is a hope free of expectations. I think many people realize that we could be more grateful
Instead of looking at gratitude as one more thing we know we should do and feel guilty that we don’t do it well enough let me rephrase it. Gratitude can be more deeply felt as we learn to enhance passing feelings of enjoyment of the world around us. The Book “Hardwiring Happiness” By Dr. Rick Hansen shows a tangible way to do that. Throughout the day whenever you notice even the smallest thing that brings you joy. Spend 15-30 seconds really living that happy feeling. As you do this it creates a habit of finding joy and you can stay in that feeling for longer. This can form the basis for genuine gratitude.
Meditation of Prayer:
Pray as directed by the Spirit.
Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready
ask God for understanding you desire from Him.
Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:
I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own
faults and trials.
Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation:
Meditate and Visualize Positive Change in Your Life:
Details:
“Hardwiring Happiness” By Dr. Rick Hansen
Final Question: What is a way you can increase your gratitude?
As you continue to find ways to experience genuine and lasting gratitude it becomes a habit. You can experience the hope and faith in God’s blessings in your life, and feel more happy. God doesn’t ask us to shower him with gratitude because he needs that. He knows that this is yet another way to bless us. As we learn to rejoice in what He has given us, we can feel lasting peace and happiness in His creation.
FIND ME ON:
iTunes
Facebook
ChristianMeditationPodcast.com
Youtube
Twitter
Pintrist
