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?

Isaiah 52: 7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1: 1-18

His feet
upon the mountains
we hear
His glad tidings
and a song sung
to His saving power
from His living word
reflecting
God’s glory
our sins our healed
in His dwelling
among us
His enduring love
heals our fragments
and varied ways
we unite with Him
come into being
through Him
light
of our darkness
revealing
God to us
revealing
God with us
revealing
God in us
in this fullness
we all have a share
love following
upon love

Do you accept the gift of this day?
Do you hear His new song in your heart?
Do you experience His saving power?
Do you rejoice?

Zep 3:14-18; Psalm 33:2-21; Luke 1:39-45

our hearts leap
as we behold
the child
of Truth
who brings
a love
that will not fade
in times
of testing
but will endure
through all
that is now
and is to come
friend
of our grief
he will bring
joy
to our sorrow
and renewed life
to our world

What do you behold?

Luke 1:46-56

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my savior!

Sculpture by Barbara Trauth…The Magnificat a Heavenly Ballet

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

seen
by God
in purest Light
my soul
leaps
for joy
and sings
in thankfulness
and praise
of of Glory
come to us
through
the faces
of the ones
we love

Have you been seen by God’s purest Light?
Do you experience it as Love?

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1:26-38

the Holy Spirit comes
through a woman
her faith
carries
new Life
in God’s
own way
beyond
the king
beyond
the throne
a womb
is chosen
to bear
the Truth
to hearts
that shall know
the Lord
and sing
of His goodness
and wisdom
forever
living
in his love
the mystery
that was hidden
is now revealed
we are overcome
with joy

Do you have the faith to say “yes”?
Are you overcome with joy?

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

angels
bearing
new life
speak
to our fear
and release it
revealing
new places
of love
and strength
and refuge
within
God’s Being
bringing
Good News
for those who live
in terror
and war
freeing us
to lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s peace

Have you been released from your fear?
Do you accept God’s peace?

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

angels
bearing
new life
speak
to our fear
and release it
revealing
new places
of love
and strength
and refuge
within
God’s Being
bringing
Good News
for those who live
in terror
and war
freeing us
to lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s peace

Have you been released from your fear?
Have you laid down your arms?