1John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-20; Mark 1:7-11

Holy Spirit
descended
through our humanity
He meets us
in our poverty
of Spirit
revealing God
as love
and Truth
a voice
from the heavens
opens
hearts
full of rage
and uncertainty
to calm
our fears
and receive
His grace
calling us home
to peace

How do you hear God’s voice as the Spirit of Truth?
How do you experience God’s peace?

1John 3:11-21; Psalm 100:1-5; John 1:43-51

called
to follow
a Love
we do not quite understand
with no duplicity
no boundary
no country
no male or female
no nationality
only with compassion
to lay down
our life
for another–
all the while
being called
to sing
with joy
to its Glory
Goodness
and Kindness

What is this love to which we are called?

1John 3:7-19; Psalm 98:1,7-9; John 1:35-42

we hear
a question
from God
“what are you looking for?”
we answer
“truth”
in a time
that has turned
itself into
deceptions
and lies
each blaming
another
each lost
in their own
wanderings
we hear
“be still”
we hear
“come and see
we hear
“you are found”
we hear
our name
changed

What are you looking for?

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
we 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; Psalm 67: 2-3,5-8; Gal 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

reflecting
in her heart
on what life
had given
her love grew
with wisdom
in herself
and her Son
with her
and blessed by God’s mercy
our hearts
and minds
are opened
to the face of God
cradled
in Light
knowing only
that we must
follow

Has your mind and heart opened to God’s light and love?
How do you follow?

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…”

Do you let the peace of Christ control your heart?

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

enticed
by a world
that is passing away
we are called
to another love
deeper
and lasting
holder
of God’s will
and wisdom
God’s love
for all
we are
forgiven
we know Him
our hearts
give glory
and praise
and reverence
as all that we
have spent
our lives for
in prayer
and fast
appears

Do you recognize Him?
How do you know Him?

1John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-6; Luke 2:22-35

the rise
and fall
of many
His sword
the Light of Truth
pierces our hearts
revealing
any hatred
deception
or darkness
with the Presence
of an undeniable Love
Holy Spirit
guide of our Being
we sing
in praise
as God’s purest Love
our heart’s desire
is revealed

Has the Light of God’s Love pierced 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?
Has God’s love and light and peace found a home in you?