1Jn5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-20; Mark 9:6

a voice
a dove
a descending
Holy Spirit
we are
changed
Truth
emerges
and we are
called
to believe
in an age
of disbelief
in an age
of overwhelm
we are told
with confidence
there is
a way

What is the way of the Holy Spirit?

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 1:14

lost
in sin
suffering
and death
a name
appears
of One
who baptizes
in the Holy Spirit
creating
within us
a new heart
that sings
a new song
lover of God
lover of Goodness
we embrace
the Truth
that lights
our way
we have seen
the saving power
of God
and rejoice

Have you experienced the saving power of God?

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

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!

How has the Lord blessed you?
How have you blessed the Lord?

1John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2,11-13; John 1:1-18

in the beginning
His Word
came to Life
as Light
to a world
in darkness
bringing Truth
to all
that is not-

incarnate God
we live in faith
in the joy
of His song
where the heavens
are glad
and the earth
rejoices
the sea
and all that fills it
resounds
the trees exalt
before the Lord
and God’s Love
as Justice
rules the earth

What Light fills your darkness?

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?

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

we experience
the burden
of our freedom
to choose in
the slaughter
of Holy Innocents
in some need
of protection
and power
or fear

we experience
the depth
of God’s love
in forgiveness
of our sin
and the freedom
in the power
of His Son’s love
who is the Light
in our darkness

Do you experience the burden of your freedom?
Do you experience the freedom of forgiveness?
What do you choose?