Zep 3:14-18; Psalm 33:2-21; Luke 1:39-45

our hearts
leap
as the infant
in her womb
as we behold
the child
of Truth
who brings
a love
that will not fade
in times
of testing
but will endure
through all
that is now
and is to come
friend
of our grief
he will bring
joy
to our sorrow
and renewed life
to our world

What do you behold?

Is 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38

the angel
came
and said
“blessed
are you…”

Do you hear what the angels are saying?

Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25

angels come
to our barren hearts
bringing
new life
through
His word
and the promise
of goodness
as we trust
deeply
in Him
seeing through
the deceptions
of the world
we touch
Glory
and sing
in praise

Do you hear the message of the angels?

Isaiah 7: 1-14; Psalm 24: 1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Mt 1: 18-24

have no fear
for our God
is with us
founder of seas
and rivers
we come to see
the face of God
promised in dreams
born to woman
He came
that hearts
may be pure
our hands
sinless
drawing us
from the dead
we speak
His name
His truth
God made flesh
risen above
our sin
to new life

Do you let go of your fear?
Do you know that God is with us?
Do you feel God in your breath?

Genesis 49:2,8-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Matthew 1:1-17

Where is the day
of justice?

Where is the day
of peace?

How are our hearts
not shattered
by the daily news?

Who hears the cry
of the poor?

Who defends
the afflicted?

as the names
of saints
and sinners
roll down
the ages
where is our savior?

How do we know
we are loved?

How do we know
we are safe?

How do we know
we have everything
we need
in God’s love
and care?

“God is my strength
and my shield,
my heart trusts in God
and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks
to God in song.” Psalm 28:7

Isaiah 56:1-8; Psalm 67:2-8; John 5:33-36

we do what is right
we do what is just
as we live
in the world
as a house
of prayer
sacred beings
sacred land
and sea
letting God’s face
shine upon us
as the sun
growing fruits
of love
patience
and peace
even as storms
challenge us
our roots grow
ever deep
cherishing the air
we breathe
and the song of joy
on its breath
we give thanks
for Life

Do you see the earth as a house of prayer?

Isaiah 54:1-10; Psalm 30:2-13; Luke 7:24-30

the dawn
brings
rejoicing
after a night
of mourning
we awake
to the Presence
of God

beloved
of God
we will not
be forsaken
or abandoned
as we may be
by the world

for our souls
are safe
in the steadfast
love
and care
of His Being

Do you feel safe?

Isaiah 45:6-8,18,21-25; Psalm 85: 9-14; Luke 7:18-23

where is
the one God
of whom
there is no other
forming light
creating darkness
making well being
creating woes
doing all things

where is the justice
that descends
like the dew
like gentle rain
that the earth
opens to
and salvation
buds forth

where is the justice
that springs up

do the blind see?
do the deaf hear?
do the poor hear good news?

where is the God
we turn to
to be safe

Where is our faith?

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-23; Matthew 21:28-32

close to
the brokenhearted
close
to those
crushed in Spirit
he saves
we look to
God’s Presence
that we may be
radiant
with joy
as we see
the light
shine
in our darkness
love’s
pure
light

Do you feel God’s presence?

Rev 11:19a, 12:1-10; Zec 2:14-17; Jdt 13:18-19; Luke 126-38

stirring forth
heaven opened
a sign in the sky
a child born
to a woman
full of grace
unafraid
of saying yes
to angels
a Holy Spirit
descends

our miracles
occur
in our opened
eyes
and hearts
opened
to God’s
loving embrace

Are your eyes and heart opened?
What does your soul proclaim?