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PRAY Every Day December, 2006

John H. Giesler

1. Once He came in blessing – Still He comes within us! We celebrate the advent of our Lord Jesus who comes fresh every morning and anew each Advent as we look for Him.

2. We are on watch for the Lord and also under the watch of the Lord. The signs of the time are rampant in the hatred we see in the world about us and in nature around us. Keep us close to Jesus and each other and not lose faith.

3. Immanuel means God is with us.  If God is with us – who can be against us? We need not fear the future. Plan to be in church this Sunday.

4. 2^ND SUNDAY ADVENT – 1874 Berea, St. Charles, MN. On this day, the message from Isaiah is about comfort – with strength – what a blessing!

5. During these five days let us pray for five new and emerging churches. Palo Alto, CA. Faith church was started by people from Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua who moved here for work opportunities. They want a Moravian Church. Their new pastor is Br. Raymond Humphrey, 650.330.4677 (ph.).

6. New Hope, Indianapolis, is a new church plant in a community that needs a church and to be an encouragement to the other Moravian Churches in Indiana. Br. Jason Graf is pastor, 317.881.6204.

7. The New Horizons church is NW of Minneapolis in a growing community near our Carver County churches. Br. David Glasser is pastor, 763.497.9024.

8. 1894 Haverford, Indianapolis, IN. The newest church in the Southern Province Cordero de Dios (Lamb of God) in Winston-Salem. The Pastor of the Hispanic work among newcomers to the USA is Hermano Enrique Alcantara a newly received Moravian, 336.788.4148.

9. 1883 Coopersburg, PA. The Eastern Dist., Northern Province is starting a new church in Ontario, not far from our Toronto church, among new comers. The name of the town is Mississauga, and the English translation is the Journey Community, the name of the church. Pastor is Br. Kent Trievel, 905.897.1212.

10. When our children were young they loved Advent Calendars, which had little windows they would open to reveal a picture of something about Advent. When we go to church show us a picture of your truth about Advent. This 3^rd Sunday the Gospel is about John the Baptist. We appreciate the writers insights about John.

11. 3^rd SUNDAY ADVENT – 1887 College Hill, Bethlehem, PA. Look about you this morning for visitors worshiping at your church. Many come because of decorations we use in worship. Tell them about the Moravian Star, The Advent Wreath or the beeswax candles we use. Make sure you know the details!

12. Imagine the thrill of Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann as their ship came in sight of the Danish Virgin Islands. Neither had ever been outside central Europe. Their biggest trip had been from their home in Moravian to Herrnhut. Is it as thrilling as asking a friend if they trust in Jesus for their salvation? Try it!

13. 1732 Arrival of Dober and Nitschmann 1^st Foreign Missionaries of Moravian Church in St. Thomas, W.I. Just two missionaries arriving at their destination. True. But what a giant step for our Church! We will never be the same. Do you still reach out to others for the Lord? .

14. Bethabara still offers free lessons in beginning and advanced Spanish for English speakers, and English lessons for Spanish speakers every Wednesday at 6:30. Call for information for classes in January. 924.8789.

15.  Pray for this Bethabara outreach. They have a full house each night. What a great way to reach people we could only reach by taking an ocean voyage just a few years ago. Now they have come to us.

17. 1914 Reading, PA. Help your pastor with visitation by calling on a shut-in today. Your Christmas will be richer.

18. 4^th SUNDAY ADVENT – Five things to be thankful for this Christmas. 1. Christ is still King.

19. 1747 Lebanon. PA. 2. Our congregation is still serving Christ.

20. 3. The Bible still shows us the way.

21. 1856 Lake Mills, WI. 4.The Holy Spirit still leads us.

22. 1866 Freedom, Appleton, WI. 5. God is calling us to serve others.

23. One of the saddest times for alcoholics and addicts is at Christmas time. If you know someone struggling, let them know you care.

24. The sick and shut-ins also are lonely. If you have a chance call or visit them. For Moravian Christians it is a time of joy. Share it.

25. SUNDAY Christmas Day – 1863 Advent, Bethlehem, PA. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

26.  Somethings to ponder and pray about. Mary was a teenager with a new-born baby. What would you do?

27.  1748 First, New York, NY.  1842 First, Dover, OH. Joseph almost called off the marriage, but he went through with it. Do you think he regretted it?

28. The inn-keeper had no room but he gave them the stable. Great things come to us in strange ways. Do you think it changed his life?

29. The shepherds were startled but they made haste and found great peace. God sent his Son and he first told the poorest of the poor about Him.

30. The Magi were puzzled by the star but searched for the new born king until they found Him. Then they worshiped Him. And the went home another way!