The contemplation of the stars was the noblest of all sciences for the ancients. The result of their study of the night sky was to see clusters of stars as images, and then tell a story about that animal or person as the constellation moved across the night sky. For us, the contemplation of the Bible is a noble task. Contemplating the people and stories that have come down to us from our spiritual ancestors is gratifying as they chart the work of God across the ages.

This Advent at Saint Luke, we the gazers of 2022, contemplate the names used in the Bible for Jesus. We will gaze upon the texts and share our insights about what we see. Just as with constellations, as we share our reflections, questions, and thoughts with one another, our light shines brighter and we see things that we never would have discovered on our own. Join us as we cast our Advent journey to Christmas in a new and rewarding light.

Today’s reflection is from Ruth Valentine. Ruth has been attending Saint Luke for the past 10 years with her husband Philip & younger son Andrew. She has been involved in different areas like Sunday school, Stephens ministry and now Councilor for Faith Formation. She finds Saint Luke to be an integral and constant part of her family.

REDEEMER

“For I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth;” - Job 19:25

One of the meanings of the word redeemer is ‘rescuer’. I find this word more appropriate because Jesus was sent to rescue us from the sin of this world. He rescues us every day from our doubts and fears. He has plans to bless us and not harm us.

God rescues us from ourselves by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us to fulfill God’s plan in our life.

This holiday season may we be encouraged that we are rescued, we are his chosen people and we grow in our relationship with Christ.

Dear Lord, we pray that you be with us this season, Thank you that you rescue us every day even when we don’t think we need rescuing.