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no longer withdrawn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?

SG 2:8-14; Zep 3:14-18; Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Luke 1:39-45

seen
by God
in purest Light
my soul
leaps
for joy
and sings
in thankfulness
and praise
of God’s Glory
coming to us
through
the faces
of the ones
we love

Have you been seen by God’s purest Light?
Do you experience it as Love?

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

She listened.

She heard.

She pondered.

She said yes my Lord.

Do you listen?

Do you hear?

Do you ponder?

Do you say “yes” my Lord?

Who is your Lord?

What do you hear?
What do you ponder?
Do you say “yes” my Lord?

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

ready
to hear
the angel
speak
even in
our old age
and barrenness
God’s Word
creates
bringing us
a message
that is
ever-new
leading us
out of the darkness
of unknowing
into the clarity
of God’s Light
we put our
hope and trust
in God
and come out
of our silence
to sing God’s Glory!

Do you hear the angel speak?
What are you hearing?
How do you sing your praise?

Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1: 18-25

God with us
the Lord our Justice
His love
abundantly given
for us
the Holy Spirit
upon us
we hear the angels
and are not afraid
saved from
our sin
we no longer live
in the scarcity
of the land
but in
the generosity
glory
and goodness
and abundance
of our God

Do you listen?
Do you hear?
Do you act?

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
of imperfection
His Perfection 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
God’s good news over all of the bad?