1John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-20; Mark 1:7-11

descended
through our humanity
He meets us
in our poverty
of Spirit
revealing God
as love
a voice
from the heavens
opens
our hearts
full of rage
and uncertainty
to calm our fears
and receive His grace
calling us home
to peace

How do you experience your poverty of spirit?
Do you accept God’s grace?

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

called
to follow
a Love
we do not quite understand
no boundary
no country
no male or female
no nationality
its only opposition
is its own absence
in hate
its own inability
to lay down
its life
for another
and all the while
we are 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

a voice
in the wilderness
of our hearts
calling us
to a path
set straight
to the Lord
all lies
and deceptions
fall away
as pure love
is revealed
anointed
in the light
of Christ
we sing for joy
for what
we have seen
freedom
from all
that would harm us
we trust
completely
in the one
who saves

Are you lead by the light of Christ?
Do you hear the voice in the wilderness of your heart?
Do you let Him teach 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?

Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128, 1-5; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

searching
she finds
her lost son
in his Father’s house
where he would
always be
knowing
listening
loving
God’s word
becoming
God’s 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 is Christ alive in your family?

1John 2:12-17; Psalm 96: 7-10; Luke 2: 36-40

enticed
by a world
that is passing away
we are called
to another love
deeper
and lasting
holder
of God’s will
and wisdom
God’s love
for all
we are
forgiven
we know Him
our hearts
give glory
and praise
and reverence
as all that we
have spent
our lives for
in prayer
and fast
appears

Do you recognize Him?
How do you know Him?

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 finally
at peace

Have you received what you have longed for?
Do you experience His 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?