Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 8: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mat 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
in fear
we destroy
that which
would save
Lord
make us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
we turn with you
from our wrath
to love
and rest
in your friendship
and peace

Do you recognize Him?
Can you turn from your violence?
Have you turned your heart to God?

Zec 2:14-17; JDT 13: 18, 19; Lk 1: 26-38

the messenger
appears
“i have come to
dwell among you”
greatly troubled
pondering
we hear
“Do not be afraid”
for God
has found favor
with you
Holy Spirit
upon you
a Son
conceived
within
a Light
to you
and all
the nations
bringing peace
and love
to all
that dare
to hear

Sing and rejoice!!!

Do you experience the message as your own?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son
and remain
in his goodness
and compassion
to all

Do you hear the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11: 28-30

laboring
we are burdened
having lost
sight
of our God
we are weak
and fainting
leading lives
of destruction
until we hear
His voice
“Come to me”
and we enter
His rest
and learn
from Him
we lift
our eyes
and see our Creator
our strength renewed
in our hope
in Him
His kindness
and compassion
beyond
our imagining
we soar

Have you grown weary and burdened in your labor?
Where do you find rest?
Does your hope in God give you strength?

Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 96: 1-3, 10-13; Mt 18: 12-14
lost
we are found
by the one
who would leave all
to find us
embraced
we are lead
to see
the Glory
of God
all else
fades
as wilting
grass
and flower
His word
resounds
and glorifies
leveling all
with the justice
of His love
and tenderness
we rejoice
we sing
we tell
His good news

Have you seen the Glory of the Lord?
Do you sing of His Glory?
Do you rejoice?

(image from brokenbelievers.com)

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you
you trusted
as though through
the eyes
of one
without sin
without separation
from God
and conceived
within you being
a Son
who would bring
light
to our eyes
and
to the world…
with a song
upon our lips
we see
and rejoice

Do you say “yes” to the Spirit?
What do you say “yes” to?
What Light is born through you?

(painting by Adam Morse)

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85: 9-14; 2Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1: 1-8)

he shows
generous patience
in his time
a thousand years
as one day
while the way
is prepared
for a
a new heaven
a new earth
that will be shown
by the one
who sees
as God
through love

kindness and truth
shall meet
justice and peace
shall kiss
and comfort
shall come
to a people
baptized in Spirit
knowing their salvation
as Truth springs
from the earth
no more shall we withdraw
from this new life given
we shall call
upon his name.

How do you wait for his coming?
Do you see as God sees through love?

Isaiah 30:19-21; 23-26; Psalm 147; Matthew 9: 35-10:1

hearing
your cry
he will answer
your hunger
your thirst
no longer hidden
his voice
is heard
“this is the way
walk in it”
the wounds
of the broken-hearted
healed
the earth
flourishing
as waters flow
we follow
healing
as we have been healed
giving
without cost
what we have been given
freely

Have your cries been heard?
What have you received?
What do you give?

Isaiah 29: 17-24; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9: 27-31

touching
their eyes
the blind
shall see
and find
their joy
in the Lord
those who err
shall understand
those who find fault
will be instructed
the children
will realize
who they are
gazing
on his loveliness
we find
our home
and dwell in his house
all our days
our light
our salvation
has come

Where is your faith?
Has he opened your eyes?
Do you experience his light?
Do you dwell in the joy of the Lord?

Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118: 1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Mt 7: 21, 24-27

 listen

act

hear His words

of justice

which are

God’s love

of all

open the gates

of your heart

let in

His peace

trust

in His goodness

and mercy

and give thanks

for a savior

come

build your house

on His foundation

and no storm

shall prevail

Who do you trust?

 Is your heart open to His word?

Do you build your life on His foundation?

Where do you go in the storm?