Advent Meditation for Wednesday, December 1st

In you, Oh Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.  Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily, a strong fortress to save me.  You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead and guide me.  Psalm 13:1-2Four times in my life I thought that I could not possibly shoulder the weight that LIFE had placed in my shoulders; each time, metaphorically throwing up my hands in despair, I told God that it was too much for me, and pretty much demanded God’s help.  God’s shoulders are broad, God’s strength is great, God’s caring is profound.  Four times God lifted me to a place where I was strong enough to figure out a path forward; through a dream, through a book sent unexpectedly by friends, and by a stubborn friend fighting for me.  Ask and it will be given to you, even if the “IT” isn’t quite what you thought it would be.  Ask anyway.  Ask always. 

Advent Meditation for Tuesday, November 30th

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12"Love is something if you give it away... you end up having more." Lyrics from the Magic Penny song by Malvina Reynolds.Jesus loved everyone no matter who they were. Love (and hate) has a way of multiplying. The more love and respect that you exude to others, the more you receive back. Also, the more love and respect you show to others, the more likely they are to start loving/respecting those whom they come in contact with.  Wouldn't this world be a far better place if there were more love in it?Lord, thank you for loving us unconditionally and help us to love others in the same way.   TR

Advent Meditation for Monday, November 29, 2021

Make me to know your ways O Lord; teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation: for you I wait all day long.

There are so many distractions throughout each day, and so many opportunities to go astray.  Conflicts seem to be everywhere and it is easy to lose sight of what is important.

Lord, help me to not lose sight of my purpose here on earth and always keep you in the forefront of my life.  TR

Advent: Reflections on New Beginnings

It has been two years since the First Congregational Church of Lee had the opportunity to write its own meditations for the season of Advent.  This creative and challenging task was the idea of congregant, nurse and ordained (retired) minister Rev. Marilyn Rossier, who died in 2020.  Marilyn was an active spiritual presence in our midst since she and her husband Stan (who predeceased her) became members of our church in 2002.  She participated in many areas of our church's "Life in the Spirit" including taking on a leadership role at the second Women's Retreat in 2019.  Among her many volunteer activities include organizing community dinners, working with Volunteers in Medicine and with Berkshire Interfaith Organizing.  Her presence, her contributions, her thoughtful commentaries were felt and respected within the congregation.  Another of her many contributions was inspiring the church congregation to reflect on biblical readings throughout the Advent season.  Upon the suggestion of Mission and Ministry committee member Carol Blakeslee, we have decided to dedicate Advent reflections this year to her memory.