Today is the first day of Advent. I am going through almost more than I can bare. This is one of the chapters I read this morning to kick off this liturgical season. Thought I would share.

Hebrews: 10:15-25
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
    after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
    and I will write them on their minds.”[a]

17 Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts
    I will remember no more.”[b]

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living wayopened for us through the curtain,that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

CC
Thanks for posting and sharing about your burdened state. Your post reminded me of our priest's Advent homily this morning. He encouraged us in using the 4 S's during Advent: Sacraments, Scripture, Service, Speaking to God....as he said we usually call this praying but he needed an 'S' lol! It seems you have the Scripture habit already. Way to go! It is a window into God's heart for us.

I need more practice with the service habit. One tradition our parish has is a Giving Tree. It contains ornaments that have the ages and clothing sizes of needy families in our area. I selected a 14yo girl. I will purchase and wrap a gift for her and take it to the church in 2 weeks so they can give it to her family for Christmas. The hard part? I don't know what a 14 yo girl might like. If anyone has ideas I would love to hear them. Thanks in advance.

Peace and prayers
CTEE

My prayers are with you for a blessed Advent. No burden is too big for our God to lift. Keep us posted about your progress, because we care. -Rose

Thank you for that wonderful post. Lots in there to think about.

Hi ya'll. My relationship is falling apart. I don't know if I will be homeless by Christmas. My "fiance" is two different people in one body. The bible is my only escape right now. I went to church today and don't remember any of it.
Even tho the verse about guilt is referring to something else, I feel like it is telling me to not have guilt about what is going on.
And also to be as loving as I can right now.
Thanks ya'll.
-Dawn

I had a truly joyous first Sunday of Advent. My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary and we were blessed with the arrival of our 1st grandson. He is joining 4 granddaughters. It was a perfect day.

I had a truly joyous first Sunday of Advent.

Congrats. That is awesome. :-D I love hearing this. My day eventually got better. I'm hanging on to it.