Fourth Sunday of Advent

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 of love
into our lives
leaving behind
an old covenant
of sacrifices
holocausts
and sin offerings
we turn
our face to Truth
no longer
withdrawn
we are set free
and given new life
by one who
stands firm
in strength
and greatness
to the ends of
the earth-
to hearts that know Him
He shall be peace

Do you see God’s will as love?
Does joy leap within you?

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

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

angels
bearing
new life
speak
to our fear
and release it
revealing
new places
of love
and strength
and refuge
within
God’s Being
bringing
Good News
for those who live
in terror
and war
freeing us
to lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s peace

Have you been released from your fear?
Have you laid down your arms?

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Isaiah 45:6-8,18,21-25; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 7:18-23

given sight
the veil
is lifted
and we see
beyond
light and dark
well-being and woe
to the One
who is All
creator
designer
and maker
of Life
to be lived
not wasted
springing  forth
from the earth
like gentle rain
from the sky
kindness
and truth
meet
justice and
peace kiss
as Good News
is proclaimed

What do you see?
What do you hear?

Tuesday in the Third Week of Advent

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3,6-7,17-19, 23; Matthew 21:28-32

crying out
from our poverty
the Lord
hears
and answers
crushed in Spirit
he saves
close
to our broken hearts
he comforts
hearing the “yes”
behind our “no”
we are raised up
to live beyond
the world’s deceptions
and pride
and follow
the voice
that calls us
to mercy
and justice
we live in
God’s love
of All

Where do you take refuge?

Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

let the one
with two coats
give to the one
who has none
the one with food
should do the same
see how unselfish
we are
gathered in
and renewed
in His love
that is near
standing guard
over our hearts
over our minds
we are filled
with strength
and courage
confident
and unafraid
our joy complete
God’s own peace
beyond
our understanding
but not beyond
our love

Where is your second coat?
Have you dismissed all anxieties from your mind?
Have you felt the unquenchable fire of God’s love?