1John 3:22-46; Psalm 2:-8,10-12; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

the healer
of many
a new way
is shown to us
that we might embrace
love
as a way
to freedom
and justice
breaking down
barriers
and walls
our hearts
beat
with compassion
as we hear the call
of the Holy Spirt
to listen
and act
on His Word

Does His word break down walls and barriers in your heart?
How does He heal you?

Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-13, Eph 3.2-6; Matt 2. 1;12)

His star
is rising
seen by hearts
who seek
and travel
to find
their answer
in light
and love
we gather
and become
radiant
at what we see
justice
flowering
profound peace
as the poor person’s
cries are heard
the afflicted
are rescued
lives are saved
as we open
our treasures
and present
our gifts
to God

Have we poured out our treasure?
Do you share your gifts

1John 3:7-10; Psalm 98:1,7-9; John 1:35-42

let no one
deceive you
with thoughts
of division
and hatred
for we have heard
God’s saving words
of love
for all
given
in freedom
as justice
come
and you will see
a way of Being
that embraces
all that is
each a part
received
as harmony
in a new song

Do you know your part?
Do you let yourself be deceived?
Do you see God’s love for all?

1John 2: 29-3:6; Psalm 98: 1-6; John 1: 29-34

a Holy Spirit
descends
upon the one
who will save
with love
showing us
a way
of knowing
we are
not separate
living
in accord
with God’s goodness
we are freed
from the burden
of lawlessness
we sing
joyfully
as all
our hopes
are fulfilled
in the purity
of God’s love

Are your hopes fulfilled in God’s goodness and love?
For what purpose were you born?

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

a voice
crying out
in the desert
knowing
who he is
preparing the way
for the one to come
as Truth
to a world
of deception
lies
suffering
and death
that we might see
who we are
and be saved
He comes
as teacher and friend
food and Spirit
advocate
of all that is Good
and Love
and Peace
He has anointed us
with His eternal Word

Do you know who you are?
How do you serve God’s love?

Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67: 2-3,5-8; Gal 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

reflecting
in her heart
on what life
had given
her love grew
with wisdom
in herself
and her Son
blessed by God’s mercy
our hearts
and minds
are opened
to the face of God
cradled
in Light
knowing only
that we must
follow

Has your mind and heart opened to God’s light and love?

1John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13; John 1:1-18

in the beginning
came a Word
a word
of Light
en-fleshed
with Love
that we may be Grace
to one another
yet deprived
in some way
we feel separate
from Truth
and lose our way
in the world’s darkness
shadows
and delusion
it is the last hour
so many anti-Christs
and anti-life
among us
yet not by our choice
or decision
but by the Light of Truth
we remain
and see Glory
with the heavens
and earth
the forest and the seas
and rejoice
with our song of Joy

Where do you see God’s glory?
Do you sing a song of Joy?

A New Year’s Blessing
Numbers 6:22-27
May the Lord
bless you
and keep you.
May the Lord
let his face
shine upon you
and be gracious to you
May the Lord
look upon you kindly
and give you peace.

Are you God’s peace?

Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128, 1-5; Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52

lost and
searching
she finds
her son
in his Father’s house
as he would
always be
knowing
listening
loving
God’s word
becoming
His word
that we might
become one
with Him
one family
in mercy
kindness
patience
humility
forgiving
one another
bound in love
perfect
and thankful

Where is your dwelling place?
Do you see all as part of God’s holy family?
How does Christ live in your family?

The Fifth Day of the Octave of Christmas
1Jn 2: 3-11; Psalm 96: 1-6, Luke 2: 22-35

a sword
will pierce
our heart
revealing
a love
poured out to us
by God
that takes away
the lie
and darkness
of the hatred
of another
and allows
the truth
and light
of salvation
to shine
Holy Spirit
upon us
all we have
waited for
is here
we rejoice
and sing
of God’s love
our heart
at peace

Have you received what you have longed for?
Do you experience God’s light and love in your heart?

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?