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?

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

John knew
he was
the voice
of one
crying out
in the desert
to make straight
the way
of the Lord

Jesus knew
he was
Son of God
Son of Man
Love and Light
Truth
and The Way
Bread for our hunger
Healer
and Friend
ushering the way
to a place
called Heaven
and something
Eternal

Who are we?
Who are you?

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
his 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
exult
the heavens
are glad
the sea
resounds
the plains
are joyful
we sing
our joy
before the Lord
for truth
has come
into the world
foretold by 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?

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
for our ignorance

knowing 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?
Where does He live?

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

knowing Him
we keep
His command
of Love
that Lights
our way
in the world’s darkness
a Glory
and Splendor
that inspires song
we raise
our voices
in rejoicing
even as we know
our hearts
will be pierced
by this Love
we Trust
what has been given
through the Mystery
of God’s Presence

Do you know Him through God’s love?
Do you know others through God’s love

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

blinded
in darkness
we do not
act in truth
our soul
a bird
caught
in the fowler’s snare
until the dawn
of God’s loving light
appears
and frees us
the snare
broken
we soar
in love’s
embrace
in God’s
love of all

Do you experience the healing light of God’s love?
Does it set you free?
Who are God’s Holy Innocents today?

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?

Acts: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Psalm 118: 26-27; Mt. 10: 17-22

accused
cast out
turned against
even put to death
by those
who cannot
bear wisdom
yet we will
endure
to the end
for filled
with the Holy Spirit
we see
a Glory
of Truth born to us
that saves us
with  mercy
and kindness
and into
His hands
we commend
our Spirit

Into whose hands do you commend your Spirit?
How will you endure?
How have you experienced his Glory?