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?

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?

Acts 6: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Psalm 31; Mt. 10: 17-22

accused
cast out
turned against
even put to death
by those
who cannot
bear wisdom
we will
endure
to the end
for filled
with the Holy Spirit
we see
a Glory
of Truth born
that saves us
with God’s mercy
and kindness
and into
God’s hands
we commend
our Spirit

Into whose hands do you commend your Spirit?
How will you endure?
How have you experienced his Glory?

Christmas Day
Isaiah 52: 7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1: 1-18

His feet
upon the mountains
we hear His glad tidings
and a song sung
to His saving power
from the living word
reflecting God’s glory
our sins are healed
in His dwelling
among us
His enduring love
heals our fragments
and varied ways
we unite in Him
come into being
through Him
light in our darkness
revealing
God to us
revealing
God with us
revealing
God in us
in His fullness
we all have a share
love following
upon love

Do you accept the gift of this day?
Do you hear His new song in you?

Mass in the morning
2Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 29; Luke 1:67-79

the dawn
breaks
upon us
shining out
from a shadow
of darkness
and death
all we have
longed for
freedom
kindness
mercy
forgiveness
compassion
and love
to dwell
in God’s
goodness
forever
a gift
beyond belief
yet that is all
that is required

Do you believe?

Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7 ; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, 46-55

trusting
in God’s word
joy leapt
within her womb
He that would bring
God’s will
into our lives
leaving behind
an old covenant
of sacrifices
holocausts
and sin offerings
for God’s true desire
His will to love-
we turn our face to Him
no longer withdrawn
we are purified
given new life
by one who
stands firm
in strength
in greatness
to the ends of
the earth-
to hearts who know him
they  shall have peace

Have you turned your face to Him?
Do you see God’s will as love?
Does joy leap within you?

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?