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[SPEAKER_00]: take a deep breath.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Let it out slowly.

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[SPEAKER_00]: As you do, remember that this is Advent, a season of waiting, hope, and quiet expectation.

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[SPEAKER_00]: In this moment, you are not alone.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Emmanuel, God with us.

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[SPEAKER_00]: is here, closer than your next breath.

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[SPEAKER_00]: He sees you, he knows you, and he delights in drawing near.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Let your heart slow down.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Let your mind be still.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Settle into his presence, and allow his peace to meet you right where you are today.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Go and learn what this means.

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[SPEAKER_00]: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

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[SPEAKER_00]: For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Matthew 9.13.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Jesus, you came not for the righteous, but for sinners.

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[SPEAKER_00]: You came for the ones who missed the mark

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[SPEAKER_00]: That means you came from me, and today I quiet my heart and let that truth wash over me again.

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[SPEAKER_00]: You didn't come to condemn me, you came to show mercy.

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[SPEAKER_00]: You didn't come to demand perfection, you came to offer grace.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for being a king who delights in compassion.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you for not turning away in disappointment when I fall short.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Instead, you draw near.

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[SPEAKER_00]: You lift me up and remind me that your mercies are new every morning.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Lord, I confess there are areas in my life where I still try to earn your approval, where I carry guilt you've already paid for.

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[SPEAKER_00]: So often, I find myself hiding from you instead of drawing near.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Today, I choose to believe your heart.

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[SPEAKER_00]: I believe you love to show mercy, and you enjoy walking with me.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Even when I'm messy, weak, and often distracted by the world.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Holy Spirit, would you help me see myself, the way you see me, not defined by my failures, but crowned with your steadfast love and mercy.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Teach me to rest in your grace, to stop striving, and to simply receive.

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[SPEAKER_00]: And as I experience your mercy, help me offer it freely to others.

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[SPEAKER_00]: Jesus, you are the merciful king.

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[SPEAKER_00]: And I give you my whole heart again today, not because I've earned it, but because you first love me in Jesus name, amen.