Advent series: Season of Hope: Thursday of First Week : Comfort.

Comfort:

The young nurse lightly touches the elderly woman's shoulders as silent tears stream down the pale wrinkled cheeks, flowing unceasingly.

The old man sits on a park bench remembering all that he has lost: his family, his friends, his careers.  He sits silently, saddened with lonely memories.

The whole room is full of people. The party is in fully swing.  Yet silently they suffer emotional pain- they long to be loved, understood and accepted.

Suggestion:

1. Light the Prophecy Candle of your advent wreath.  Spent some time quietening your spirit and coming into the presence of God in the bright warm light of the Candle. Read the scripture:

                                         
"Comfort, give comfort to my people,  says your God.
                   Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an  end,
                                                        her guilt is expiated.". Isaiah 40:1-2



2.Write down  what loneliness is for you. When does it happen, what do you feel physically, emotionally and spiritually?  What triggers are there and are these triggers connected to past experiences?  Take time with your list. Read them and get in touch with the feeling of loneliness. 

3. What do you think  loneliness is for other people?  How do they feel when they are lonely? What triggers might they experience when they are lonely?

4. Name 2 or 3 similarities and differences of your experience of loneliness and other people?


5. Now take a deep breath trusting in  God and give Him your list in this season of hope. Name one of these triggers of the lonely road  which you want to change into comfort.  Listen to the small voice within you to help you choose and be directed by Him.

You may choose to listen to Comfort Ye My People ( Handel).

6.  Decide on one or two actions that you could take that will be a starting point towards  Comforting yourself and others. Allow yourself to be filled with hope as you take a step towards Comfort of  Body, Mind and Spirit.

Use me Lord to comfort and give hope with a smile, a touch, a word an ear to myself and to others.

7. Re read the scripture again:  
                                      
                                            "Comfort, give comfort to my people,  says your God.
                   Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an  end,
                                                        her guilt is expiated.". Isaiah 40:1-2

You may also wish to listen to City of God ( Dan Schutte).