Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 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
God as His father
who blesses
and keeps us
shines His face
upon us
with grace
and kindness
mercy and peace
we know
we are loved
and that salvation
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?

1John2:12-17; Psalm 96:7-10; Luke 2:36-40

embracing the wisdom of age
in fasting and prayer
she sees
the one
who will bring
Light and Life
the birth
of the Child
who sees past
illusion
deception
and the world’s
enticements
to God’s
essential Being
God’s will
for Love
flowing within
and among us
in Peace

What do you see?

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

Prayer for the Holy Family
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…”

Does the peace of Christ control your heart?

1John 1: 1-4; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20: 1-8

no longer
entombed
the Word of Life
has been made visible
seen
and heard
touched
with our hands
we are
the ones
He loved
we rejoice
as the light
dawns upon
our hearts-
giving
thanks
we are no longer
locked
in time
as we enter
God’s eternal life

Do you experience yourself as the one he loves?
Do you love others with this love?

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?