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: 4-5, 8-9, 10-14; Luke 1: 57-66

out of the silence
a God given name
is spoken
preparing the way
for one to come
who out of
impossibility
will bring us
all we need
to live
in love
and peace
in a world
gone wrong
repent
and turn
your heart
rejoice
for something
new is here

Have you turned your heart to God?
Are you ready for his Word in your life?
Do you rejoice?

1 Samuel 1: 24-28; 1 Samuel 2: 1-7; 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
we are fed
renewed
not by any merit
of our own
or worthiness
but by
gracious love
given freely
to one who
would receive
his mercy

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

Isaiah 7: 10-14; 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?

Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24: 16; Luke 1:26-38

The angel appears
She listened.
She heard.
She pondered.
She said yes my Lord.
Do you listen?
Do you hear?
Do you ponder?
Do you say “yes” my Lord?
Who is your Lord?

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

ready
to hear
the angel
speak
even in
our old age
and barrenness
His Word
creates
bring a message
that is
ever-new
leading us
out of the darkness
of unknowing
into the clarity
of His Light
we put our
hope and trust
in Him
and come out
of muteness
to sing His Glory!

Do you hear the angel speak?
What are you hearing?
How do you sing your praise?

Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1: 18-25

longing
for one who leads
with love
and mercy
and justice
you offer hope
in our waiting
in our darkness
in this time of dreams
and angels
and the Holy Spirit
overshadowing
announcing
the child to come
born in wonder-
Emmanuel
God with us-
hold our hearts
open
for his coming
for our seeing
your peace
among us

Are you longing for God’s love and peace to flourish?
Where do you see it coming?

Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 17, Mt 1: 1-17

tracing
our path
to our beginning
we meet
our Creator
with awe
and rest
in His Presence
peaceful
and still
until we know
who we are
loved
cared for
through the line
of all our family
imperfection
His Perfection
is seen
we see
justice
God’s love for all
and follow
stepping outside
our violence
putting down our arms
we enter His Kingdom
of Peace

Do you dare believe?
Do you dare hope?
What makes it possible for you to hear His good news over all of the bad?