1John 3:11-21; Psalm 100:1-5; John 1:43-51

called
to follow
a Love
we do not quite understand
with no duplicity
no boundary
no country
no male or female
no nationality
only with compassion
to lay down
our life
for another–
all the while
being called
to sing
with joy
to its Glory
Goodness
and Kindness

What is this love to which we are called?

1John 3:7-19; Psalm 98:1,7-9; John 1:35-42

we hear
a question
from God
“what are you looking for?”
we answer
“truth”
in a time
that has turned
itself into
deceptions
and lies
each blaming
another
each lost
in their own
wanderings
we hear
“be still”
we hear
“come and see
we hear
“you are found”
we hear
our name
changed

What are you looking for?

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

John knew
he was
the voice
of one
crying out
in the desert
to make straight
the way
of the Lord

Jesus knew
he was
Son of God
Son of Man
Love and Light
Truth
and The Way
Bread for our hunger
Healer
and Friend
ushering the way
to a place
called Heaven
and something
Eternal

Who are we?
Who are you?

Numbers 6:22-27; Ps 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
his God
as his father
who blesses
and keeps us
shines
his face
upon us
with grace
and kindness
mercy
and peace
we know
our salvation
our guide
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?

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…”

Do you let the peace of Christ control your heart?

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

1John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-8; Matthew 2:13-18

a voice
rising
a woman
weeping
for her children
caught
in the violence
of another’s heart
she suffers
for us all
despairing
in destruction
we wait
for light
for rescue
for love
to find
its home

Do you hear the cry of the woman weeping?
Has God’s love and light found a home in you?

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?