Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ephesians 3.2, 3, 5, 6; Matt 2.1-12

seeking distant stars
we travel
wanderers
weary of dark
seeking to know
who we are
made in longing
we are needy
poor
as we hunger
for truth
for freedom
oppressed by greed
we know we are more
waiting
longing
watching
biding our time
then other travelers
come
to tell us
the time is here
no longer a distant star
no longer a distant time
the gift has been given
the sight of Him
who inspires
an open heart
we open
to a love
beyond the boundaries
of what we have known
first
God within us
then
among us
in each other
even into the boundaries
of our enemy
“then you shall be
radiant in what you see
your heart shall throb and overflow”

What is your treasure that you would give?

1John 3:22-4:6; Psalm 2:7-8,10-12; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

He stands
before us
as Light
in our dark places
healing
teaching
proclaiming
a Gospel
of Love
here for All
who would hear
and see
their Oneness
in God
in Holy Spirit
undivided
we receive
whatever we ask for
in Love

Is God light in your darkness?
Do you receive whatever you ask for in Love?

1John 2: 29-3:6; Psalm 98: 1-6; John 1: 29-34

a Holy Spirit
descends
upon the one
who will save
with love
showing us
a way
of knowing
we are
not separate-
living
in accord
with God’s goodness
we are freed
from the burden
of lawlessness
and sing
joyfully
as all
our hopes
are fulfilled
in the purity
of God’s love

Are your hopes fulfilled in God’s goodness and love?
For what purpose were you born?

1John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:1-4; John 1:19-28

a voice
crying out
in the desert
knowing
who he is
preparing the way
for the one to come
as Truth
to a world
of deception
lies
suffering
and death
that we might see
who we are
and be saved
He comes
as teacher and friend
food and Spirit
advocate
of all that is Good
and Love
and Peace
He has anointed us
with His eternal Word

Do you know who you are?
How do you serve God’s love?

Numbers 6:22-27; Ps 67: 2-3,5-8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

her heart
listens
her heart
reflects
treasuring
the gift
of her womb
a child
who knows God
as his father
who blesses
and keeps us
shines
his face
upon us
with grace
and kindness
mercy
and peace
we know
our salvation
our guide
has come
our hearts
rejoice
with her

Do you treasure all these things and listen to them in your heart?
Do you feel his face shine upon you?
Do you receive his blessing?

1John 2: 18-21; Psalm 96: 1-13; John 1:1-18

the trees
rejoice
the heavens
are glad
the sea
resounds
the plains
are joyful
as we sing
our joy
before the Lord
for truth
has come
into the world
foretold by the one
who knows
the hour
all lies
and darkness
pass away
as what was
from the beginning
emerges
in light
and we know
who we are

Do you hear the earth rejoice?
Do you sing your joy?

1John2:12-17; Psalm 96:7-10; Luke 2:36-40

embracing the wisdom of age
in fasting and prayer
she waits
for the one
who will bring
Light and Life
the birth
of knowing
the Child
who sees past
illusion
deception
and the world’s
enticements
to God’s
essential Being
God’s will
for Love
flowing within
and among us
in Peace

For what do you wait?
What do you see?

Prayer for the Holy Family
Colossians 3:12-21

“Put on heartfelt compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness,
and patience,
bearing with one another
and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance
against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you,
so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,

And let the peace of Christ
control your hearts,
the peace into which you
were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you
as in all wisdom…
singing psalms,
hymns,
and spiritual songs
with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do,
in word or in deed,
do everything
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God…”

Does the peace of Christ control your heart?

1John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-8; Matthew 2:13-18

a voice
rising
a woman
weeping
for her children
caught
in the violence
of another’s heart
she suffers
for us all
despairing
in destruction
we wait
for light
for rescue
for love and peace
to find 
its home
in the world

Do you hear the cry of the woman weeping?
How does God’s love and light respond?

1John 1: 1-4; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20: 1-8

no longer
entombed
the Word of Life
is made visible
seen and heard
touched
with our hands
we are
the ones
he loves
we rejoice
as the light
dawns upon
our hearts
giving
thanks
no longer
locked
in time
we enter
His eternal life

Do you experience yourself as the one he loves?
Do you love others with this love?