First Baptist Church of Decatur

One of the most remarkable things about Jesus’ birth is the ordinariness of it. From the beginning, God chose to work through the small, unnoticed, and humble. In this week’s bible study for Advent, Rev. Dr. Paul Wallace looks at Luke 1:46-55. He discusses what we can learn from Mary’s example in the story of Jesus’ birth and tells us what we should reject in order to see God’s movement around us more clearly. Join us online tonight (12/9) at 7:00pm right here on Facebook!... Want this sent straight to your inbox for later? Sign-up here to get an email with the video and audio: https://mailchi.mp/fbcdecatur/bible-study

Advent is a season of hope that can overcome our fears. Our hopes and our fears intermingle, each one coloring our thoughts and feelings. What are your hopes for life in this season? What are your fears in this time of your life? The hopes and fears of those who are getting on in years are often different than in their younger days. Read more as Rev. Dr. Greg Smith guides us through today's Advent devotion:

Prayer for Peace I bow to the sacred in all creation. May my spirit fill the world with beauty and wonder. May my mind seek truth with humility and openness.... May my heart forgive without limit. May my love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure. May my needs be few and my living simple. May my actions bear witness to the suffering of others. May my hands never harm a living being. May my steps stay on the journey of justice. May my tongue speak for those who are poor without fear of the powerful. May my prayers rise with patient discontent until no child is hungry. May my life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence. May my soul rejoice in the present moment. May my imagination overcome death and despair with new possibility. And may I risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to the children. - Mary Lou Kownacki