Saturday, December 12
When evening had come, and since it was the day
of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a
respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for
the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead;
and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some
time. When he learned from the centurion
that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking
down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had
been hewn out of the rock. He then
rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus saw where the body was laid. Mark 15:42-47
It may seem odd to read an account of Jesus’ death even as
we prepare for his birth. And yet, there
are times in our lives when our greatest fears are realized and it feels as if
God is absent. Joseph of Arimathea was
waiting for the kingdom of God, and despite Jesus’ death he took courage and
asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Where do
you need to take courage and speak or act as you wait and look for God’s
kingdom? Write down your reflections.
Prayer:
God of grace and glory, sometimes we look for you and
cannot find you. You tell us that if we
knock, the door will be opened to us, and if we seek we will find. Yet, some days we pound on the door and it
remains locked. Grant us courage,
especially in those times and circumstances when our waiting for You feels as
if it is in vain. Help us to do the next
right thing in Your name, despite our doubts and pain. AMEN
Activity:
Many of us have pets that fill our homes with love
and joy. They often absorb our anxieties
and worries, our joys and victories. Give
them some special love today for all they do for us.
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