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
fed
renewed
not by any merit
of our own
or worthiness
but by gracious love
given freely
to one who
would receive
God’s mercy

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

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 God’s Glory
coming 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?

Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24: 1-6; Luke 1:26-38

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?

What do you hear?
What do you ponder?
Do you say “yes” my 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
God’s Word
creates
bringing us
a message
that is
ever-new
leading us
out of the darkness
of unknowing
into the clarity
of God’s Light
we put our
hope and trust
in God
and come out
of our silence
to sing God’s 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

God with us
the Lord our Justice
His love
abundantly given
for us
the Holy Spirit
upon us
we hear the angels
and are not afraid
saved from
our sin
we no longer live
in the scarcity
of the land
but in
the generosity
glory
and goodness
and abundance
of our God

Do you listen?
Do you hear?
Do you act?

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
of imperfection
His Perfection 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
God’s good news over all of the bad?

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

let the one
with two coats
give to the one
who has none
the one with food
should do the same
see how unselfish
we are gathered in
and renewed
in His love
that is near
standing guard
over our hearts
over our minds
we are filled
with strength
and courage
confident and unafraid
our joy complete
God’s own peace
beyond our understanding
but not beyond
our love

Where is your second coat?
Have you dismissed all anxieties from your mind?
Have you felt the unquenchable fire of God’s love?

Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
we live
in fear
destroying
that which
would save us-
Lord
help us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
so that we might
turn with you
from our wrath
to love
and rest
in your friendship
and peace

Do you recognize Him?
Can you turn from your violence?
Have you turned your heart to God?

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness
rejoicing in God’s presence

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
Do you rejoice?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son
and the Holy Spirit
remaining
in God’s goodness
and compassion
for all

Do you hear the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?