Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Psalm 31: 3-8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22

Holy Spirit
guide
of our every step
your face
shines upon us
a Light
to show the way
even when it feels
no one
can be trusted
we take refuge
in you
commending
our Spirit
into your hands
we see
your Glory
in our giving
enduring
to the end
in your saving Grace

To whom do you entrust your Spirit?

The Mass at Dawn
Isaiah 62: 11-12; Psalm 97:1,6,11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

light streams
from the morning skies
as we ponder anew
with Mary
the miracle
and mystery of His birth
guided by dreams
and angels
and stars
and shepherds
into our hearts
as God’s love
and Glory appears
we live in the power
of that dawning day
given once long ago
yet giving itself again
in each day’s dawning
of love’s pure light

Is your heart open to the gift of love’s pure light?

Mass in the morning
2Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 29; Luke 1:67-79

the dawn
breaks
upon us
shining out
from a shadow
of darkness
and death
a gift
beyond belief
is given
all we have
longed for
freedom
kindness
mercy
forgiveness
compassion
and love
are given
to dwell
with us
in God’s
goodness
forever

Do you believe?
Has the Light broken through your darkness?

Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Psalm 25:4-14; Luke 1:57-66

what will
this child be
born
of Truth
and miracle
known
by star gazers
shepherds and kings
as the guide
and teacher
foretold
to follow

who will
endure
the day
of his coming
as brilliant
as the radiance
of the sun
refiner
of our souls
that are set
on fire
in love

How will you endure the day of His coming?

Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7 ; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, 46-55

trusting
in God’s word
joy leapt
within her womb
He that would show us
God’s will for love
in our lives
leaving behind
an old covenant
of sacrifices
holocausts
and sin offerings
for God’s true desire
to love-
we turn our face to God’s presence
to see what has always been
from the beginning
love’s pure light
giving us new life
in the one who
stands firm
in strength
and goodness
to the ends of
all the earth
bringing us peace

Have you turned your face to God?
Do you see God’s will as love?
Does joy leap within your heart?

SG 2:8-14; Zep 3:14-18; Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Luke 1:39-45

each day
as Mary did
trusting the promise
of new life
I hear His words
“Arise”
and know Love is near
as I come into
the day of prayer
each word
as daily bread
nourishing
my mind
and heart
and soul
I can only sing
a song of love
and praise
thankful
for all that is

Do you dare live a life of rejoicing in His word?
Do you dare live your life in praise?

Luke 1: 46-56

praying
with Mary
my soul
proclaims
the greatness
of the lord
my spirit
rejoices
in God
my savior
into my lowliness
my hunger
my barrenness
and fear
his glory
appears
with new life
for me
for all
fed and renewed
not by any merit
of our own
or worthiness
but by gracious love
given freely
to one
willing to receive
his mercy and care

Does your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord?
Does your Spirit rejoice in God your savior?

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

What angel comes
To this day
To this barren mind of morning
Still filled with the darkness of sleep
And the chaos of dreams
Desperately in need of light

Imperiled from yesterday’s news
Of war and shooting
Sickness and distress
My heart and soul plead
For the sound of choirs of hope
From angels who have seen
The goodness of love and God

Drawn in the silence
The muteness of disbelief
I am forced to ponder
A will far from my own
That only knows love and life
And to give it a new name
One that rings true

I wait in the silence
With Zechariah
Mute from my own deceptions
Waiting for new life
With a patience
Only God can give

What words of love and hope come to you in the silence?
What name comes to you?
What light shines in you?

Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-18, 18-10; Matthew 1:18-25

it begins
in dreams
and whispers
angels and infants
a knowing
an answering
a letting go
of fear
new life
appearing
to answer our need
for Love
and Goodness
set walking
upon the earth
spreading seeds
of Justice
in small acts
of kindness and care
that grow into
the tree of Life

What do you hear in dreams and whispers?
What small act of loving kindness will you do today?
How do you let go of fear?

A Prayer from A Dark December Night
Genesis 49:2,8-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Matthew 1:1-17

where is our name
in the thread of justice
woven through the ages?

from the voice of Abraham
to the cry from a manger
where we seek and strive

through imperfection
chaos and confusion
still hoping in what we hear

deep in our hearts
that will not forget
love’s longing for itself in us

one call
one voice
one Light of Christ

guide us now we pray
do not forget us
in these darkest nights
Amen

Where is your name in the thread of love and justice?
What voice do you follow?