Jesus Replied 
(Luke 23:43)

 Year
 ends. God
 reigns whether
 we notice or
 not. Promises made
 long ago remain true -
 all are loved, all are valued,
 no one excluded. Advent draws
 near, calling us to pause and listen,
 watch, prepare, and begin again. The days
 are surely coming when all feet everywhere
 will travel in the way of peace. Fear-filled living
 belongs to the days of old. Hope, love, mercy, grace,
 and forgiveness belong to God’s people, now
 and through all time. While speaking words of faith 
 we forget God always remembers 
 the ancient covenant of love 
 without end. When words become
 deeds, wars will cease. God is
 our refuge and strength.
 May our lives show
 God’s glory 
 and our
 thanks. 

Jeremiah 23:1-6 with Luke 1:68-79 or
Jeremiah 23:1-6 with Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43

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