Matthew 3:1-4,23-24; Psalm 25:4-14; Luke 1:57-66

what will
this child be
born
of Truth
and miracle
known
by star gazers
shepherds and kings
as the guide
and teacher
foretold
to follow

who will
endure
the day
of his coming
as brilliant
as the radiance
of the sun
refiner
of our souls
that are set
on fire
in love

Will you endure the day of His coming?

Luke 1:46-56

our soul
proclaims
the greatness of the Lord
our spirit rejoices
in God our savior
for he has looked
upon us
with mercy
and favor
showing strength
lifting us
filling us
remembering
his promise
he is our help
we rejoice

Do you experience the favor of God?

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

our hearts
leap
as the infant
in her womb
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?

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

the angel
came
and said
“blessed
are you…”

Do you hear what the angels are saying?

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

angels come
to our barren hearts
bringing
new life
through
His word
and the promise
of goodness
as we trust
deeply
in Him
seeing through
the deceptions
of the world
we touch
Glory
and sing
in praise

Do you hear the message of the angels?

Isaiah 7: 1-14; Psalm 24: 1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Mt 1: 18-24

have no fear
for our God
is with us
founder of seas
and rivers
we come to see
the face of God
promised in dreams
born to woman
He came
that hearts
may be pure
our hands
sinless
drawing us
from the dead
we speak
His name
His truth
God made flesh
risen above
our sin
to new life

Do you let go of your fear?
Do you know that God is with us?
Do you feel God in your breath?

Genesis 49:2,8-10; Psalm 72:1-17; Matthew 1:1-17

Where is the day
of justice?

Where is the day
of peace?

How are our hearts
not shattered
by the daily news?

Who hears the cry
of the poor?

Who defends
the afflicted?

as the names
of saints
and sinners
roll down
the ages
where is our savior?

How do we know
we are loved?

How do we know
we are safe?

How do we know
we have everything
we need
in God’s love
and care?

“God is my strength
and my shield,
my heart trusts in God
and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks
to God in song.” Psalm 28:7

Isaiah 56:1-8; Psalm 67:2-8; John 5:33-36

we do what is right
we do what is just
as we live
in the world
as a house
of prayer
sacred beings
sacred land
and sea
letting God’s face
shine upon us
as the sun
growing fruits
of love
patience
and peace
even as storms
challenge us
our roots grow
ever deep
cherishing the air
we breathe
and the song of joy
on its breath
we give thanks
for Life

Do you see the earth as a house of prayer?

Isaiah 54:1-10; Psalm 30:2-13; Luke 7:24-30

the dawn
brings
rejoicing
after a night
of mourning
we awake
to the Presence
of God

beloved
of God
we will not
be forsaken
or abandoned
as we may be
by the world

for our souls
are safe
in the steadfast
love
and care
of His Being

Do you feel safe?

Isaiah 45:6-8,18,21-25; Psalm 85: 9-14; Luke 7:18-23

where is
the one God
of whom
there is no other
forming light
creating darkness
making well being
creating woes
doing all things

where is the justice
that descends
like the dew
like gentle rain
that the earth
opens to
and salvation
buds forth

where is the justice
that springs up

do the blind see?
do the deaf hear?
do the poor hear good news?

where is the God
we turn to
to be safe

Where is our faith?