60 Sacred Seconds
WELCOME
Our theme for Advent this year is, “4 Gifts You
Should OPEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS”. In the
midst of what can be a hectic and busy time of year we are reminded to take
time and remember to focus on the true meaning of the season.
This devotional is designed to
reinforce the content of each Sunday’s sermon theme. By using the same devotion each day, for seven days, the theme
will become a part of our daily living.
“60 Sacred Seconds” refers to the
length of time it will take to complete the devotion each day. It may not seem like much, but just imagine
the difference it can make in our lives.
Please take 60 seconds, by yourself or with your family, and focus on
the true meaning of the season.
May you be blessed by God as you take
time before Christmas to open a few of his precious gifts.
Peace,
Pastor Kent
SIXTY SACRED SECONDS
A devotional for the season of Advent.
“4 Gifts you should
OPEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
The
Gift of FAMILY
Light the Candle of HOPE
LITANY – Matthew 12:18-21
Leader: The Lord has given us his chosen servant.
People: He will proclaim justice to the nations.
Leader: A bruised reed he will not break.
People: In his name the nations will
put their HOPE.
Leader: This is God’s time let us worship Him!
People: We are God’s people let us praise Him!
MEMORY VERSE (Recite
3 times, out loud)
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” -- Galatians 6:10
REFLECTION
In a moment of silence, tell God why you are thankful for
the gift of FAMILY.
(Try
to give a different reason each day. Consider
sharing this prayer of thanks with another member of your family.)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we know the big event is coming. We make preparations to celebrate the birth
of your Son, our Savior, Jesus. While our
minds are filled with anticipation we will commit our hearts to matters of
preparation. Help us, O God, not to be
distracted by the desires of this world and the sin of materialism. By your grace may we be filled with love for
our FAMILY, compassion for our FRIENDS, thankfulness for FORGIVENESS and a
commitment to sharing our FAITH in Jesus Christ. Amen.
The
Gift of FRIENDS
Light the Candle of PEACE
LITANY – Luke 2:14
Leader: A song of praise echoes through
the heavens.
People: “Glory to God in the highest …”
Leader: A message is proclaimed for all the world.
People: “… and on earth PEACE to men
on whom his favor rests.
Leader: This is God’s time let us worship Him!
People: We are God’s people let us praise Him!
MEMORY VERSE (Recite
3 times, out loud)
“No one has greater love
than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. ” -- John 15:13
REFLECTION
In a moment of silence, name a FRIEND you are
thankful for and tell God why.
(Try
to give a different reason each day. Consider
sharing this prayer of thanks with another member of your family.)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we know the big event is coming. We make preparations to celebrate the birth
of your Son, our Savior, Jesus. While
our minds are filled with anticipation we will commit our hearts to matters of
preparation. Help us, O God, not to be
distracted by the desires of this world and the sin of materialism. By your grace may we be filled with love for
our FAMILY, compassion for our FRIENDS, thankfulness for FORGIVENESS and a
commitment to sharing our FAITH in Jesus Christ. Amen.
The
Gift of FORGIVENESS
Light the Candle of JOY
LITANY – Luke 2:10
Leader: Out in the fields Good News is proclaimed.
People: A new experience brings fear
to the shepherds.
Leader: The angels speak, “good news of great
JOY will be for all the
people.”
People: We anticipate the fulfillment
of the Savior’s birth.
Leader: This is God’s time let us worship Him!
People: We are God’s people let us praise Him!
MEMORY VERSE (Recite
3 times, out loud)
“If my people who are called by my name humble
themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will
hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” -- 2 Chronicles 7:14
REFLECTION
In a moment of silence, apologize to God for your sins
and accept God’s FORGIVENESS.
(Try to give a different reason each day. Consider sharing this prayer of thanks with another member of your family.)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we know the big event is coming. We make preparations to celebrate the birth
of your Son, our Savior, Jesus. While
our minds are filled with anticipation we will commit our hearts to matters of
preparation. Help us, O God, not to be
distracted by the desires of this world and the sin of materialism. By your grace may we be filled with love for
our FAMILY, compassion for our FRIENDS, thankfulness for FORGIVENESS and a
commitment to sharing our FAITH in Jesus Christ. Amen.
The
Gift of FAITH
Light the Candle of LOVE
LITANY – Mark 12:30-31
Leader: LOVE the Lord your God
with all your heart and soul.
People: LOVE the Lord your God
with all your mind and
strength.
Leader: LOVE your neighbor as yourself.
People: There is no commandment
greater than these.
Leader: This is God’s time let us worship Him!
People: We are God’s people let us praise Him!
MEMORY VERSE (Recite
3 times, out loud)
“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” -- Matthew 21:22
REFLECTION
In a moment of silence, name a need in your life. By FAITH trust that God will answer.
(Try
to give a different reason each day.
Consider sharing this prayer of thanks with another member of your
family.)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, we know the big event is coming. We make preparations to celebrate the birth of
your Son, our Savior, Jesus. While our
minds are filled with anticipation we will commit our hearts to matters of
preparation. Help us, O God, not to be
distracted by the desires of this world and the sin of materialism. By your grace may we be filled with love for
our FAMILY, compassion for our FRIENDS, thankfulness for FORGIVENESS and a
commitment to sharing our FAITH in Jesus Christ. Amen.
WALDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“A place of welcome for all God’s Children”
125 West Main Street – Walden, NY 12586
845-778-7035
waldenum@frontiernet.net www.gbgm-umc.org/walden