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
imperfection
His Perfection
is 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 His good news over all of the bad?

Zep 3: 1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19-23; Mt 21: 28-32

our “no”
changed
to “yes”
as his words
enter our
being
and reveal
his Glory
crushed in spirit
we are saved
broken- hearted
we are healed
our cries heard
we look to him
and are radiant
with joy
corrected
trusting
we bless the Lord
as he blesses us

Have you changed your “no” to “yes”?
Do you hear his words?
Do you accept his healing?

Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17; Psalm 2:5; Mt 21: 23-27

Holy Spirit
Of God
giving voice
a true eye
a true ear
unveiling
a promised land
of kindness
goodness
and compassion
by this
authority
we live
and have
our being
we speak
not from fear
of others
but by His power
to guide us
we follow
His star

By what authority do you speak?
Do you see a promised land?
What star do you follow?

Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11; Lk 1:46-50, 53-54; 1Thess 5:16-24, John 1:6-8; 19-28

waiting
preparing
for Him to come
bearer of Spirit
Truth
and peace
a world at war
with itself
awaits-
our prayer
will not cease
holding fast
to what is good
we test everything
in light of Him
whose mercy
holds no bounds
our broken hearts
will be healed
prisoners
will be set free
our hunger filled
a new garden grown
in his light
justice and praise
spring forth
my soul rejoices
in my God

Do you dare hope?

Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 8: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mat 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
in fear
we destroy
that which
would save
Lord
make us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
we 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?

Zec 2:14-17; JDT 13: 18, 19; Lk 1: 26-38

the messenger
appears
“i have come to
dwell among you”
greatly troubled
pondering
we hear
“Do not be afraid”
for God
has found favor
with you
Holy Spirit
upon you
a Son
conceived
within
a Light
to you
and all
the nations
bringing peace
and love
to all
that dare
to hear

Sing and rejoice!!!

Do you experience the message as your own?

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 remain
in his goodness
and compassion
to all

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

Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11: 28-30

laboring
we are burdened
having lost
sight
of our God
we are weak
and fainting
leading lives
of destruction
until we hear
His voice
“Come to me”
and we enter
His rest
and learn
from Him
we lift
our eyes
and see our Creator
our strength renewed
in our hope
in Him
His kindness
and compassion
beyond
our imagining
we soar

Have you grown weary and burdened in your labor?
Where do you find rest?
Does your hope in God give you strength?

Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 96: 1-3, 10-13; Mt 18: 12-14
lost
we are found
by the one
who would leave all
to find us
embraced
we are lead
to see
the Glory
of God
all else
fades
as wilting
grass
and flower
His word
resounds
and glorifies
leveling all
with the justice
of His love
and tenderness
we rejoice
we sing
we tell
His good news

Have you seen the Glory of the Lord?
Do you sing of His Glory?
Do you rejoice?

(image from brokenbelievers.com)

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you
you trusted
as though through
the eyes
of one
without sin
without separation
from God
and conceived
within you being
a Son
who would bring
light
to our eyes
and
to the world…
with a song
upon our lips
we see
and rejoice

Do you say “yes” to the Spirit?
What do you say “yes” to?
What Light is born through you?

(painting by Adam Morse)