Advent Prayer Guide 2016

Transcription

1 2016 Advent Prayer Guide

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3 How to use this Prayer Guide What is provided for you here is a simple prayer and scripture guide, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship, that covers the course of the Advent season. It is meant to be used either individually or in a small group among your friends and family. Each day begins with the daily prayer, called the Collect. Followed by a list of readings taken from the Lectionary and a brief reflection written by a Bloom Staff member. Lastly, we ve provided a few suggested items to pray on with the Lord that day. All of this is meant to be a suggested guide and order. Take it slow, building in moments for silence and wonder alongside the Spirit. If some days you only choose to sit with one of the readings and one of the prayer items, that is enough. If you want to respond by journaling, feel free to do so. If you want to have a conversation with someone close to you about what is stirred within you, do so. The hope is that this would open you to the presence of the Lord and that you would find new spaces of intimacy, wonder, peace, and joy with him. So let him guide you however and wherever he will. Lastly, Advent and Christmas is a season that opens us to great generosity and hospitality. This season, we are inviting the Bloom community to give out of our abundance and even out of our lack, for the good of others and the mission of God. We have several different opportunities to do so: If you head to and click on the give online link you can give to our justice partners iempahtize, MetroCaring, or to Syrian Refugee relief. You can also choose to give directly to our Bloom family as we seek to live out the call and dream God has given us to this city. As you remember and await the coming of our Lord and Savior giving of your heart, money, and possessions may he meet you with his wonder, joy, and love. ~ The Bloom Staff

4 O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel! O come, our Wisdom from on high, Who ordered all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to you, O Israel! O come, O Rod of Jesse s stem, From every foe deliver them That trust your mighty power to save; Bring them in victory through the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to you, O Israel! O come, our Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by your drawing nigh, Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to you, O Israel! O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; O, bid our sad divisions cease, And by yourself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to you, O Israel!

5 Introduction The season of Advent is a twofold invitation of the Church to ponder the depth and mystery of Christ s coming. The first part of this invitation is one of remembrance, celebration, and wonder at the coming of Christ into the world so long ago. It directs us towards Christ s birth, the light of the world breaking into human existence as a babe in a manger. The Christ-child, who came not just as a king, though he was certainly first worshiped as one; but he also as the servant of all, even a servant unto death. We remember and contemplate this God-man, the divine made flesh, who came to inaugurate a Kingdom of peace, love, and joy. This child, called Jesus, came as a gift to us each one of us, and through him we are able to see the heart of the Father and by him we are made alive in the Spirit. Yet the second part of the Church s Advent invitation is one of expectation and preparation of Christ s second coming at the end of time, where he will come to judge the living and the dead. The Church has always believed that though he came for all in the first century, that he will come again one day soon in great glory to finally consummate the fullness of his Kingdom forever and ever. His justice will reign. His mercy will reign. His grace will reign. And we, his beloved, will live with him for all time. Until then, we long for, we wait, and we prepare for his return. Advent Watching and waiting. Remembering and anticipating. Celebrating and preparing. Worshipping and wondering. Pondering and longing. May you find him, hidden and quiet. May you find him, coming in great power. May you find him, the Christ, the Savior and King, the incarnate one, enraptured in love for us and bringing about justice in every place and in every heart. Almighty God, as your blessed Son Jesus Christ first came to seek and to save the lost; so may he come again to find in us the completion of his redeeming work; for he is now alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Alleluia! Amen!

6 The First Sunday of Advent November 27 th The Collect: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 Reflection: The scriptures plead with us: Keep watch! and Be ready! Yet for many of us we bear the wounds of these words being used to threaten us for the coming of Jesus be ready for him or endure his wrath forever! But what kind of Kingdom is that? Where the coming of God is an all-consuming fear and causes doubt and insecurity to well up within us. Isaiah and the psalmist give us a window into a much different kind of Kingdom to watch and prepare for. The true Kingdom, where the Son of Man reigns, is one of peace in every heart and in every place. It is a Kingdom of love and security for every person. It is a Kingdom where our weapons against our neighbors and ourselves are transformed into tools of hope, healing, and fruitfulness. So instead of fear, you are invited to watch and prepare for the coming of God and a Kingdom that is full of great riches, where anything in us that feels threatened is instead joyfully surrendered for the sake of peace, love, and safety. The Prayers: v The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ v The leaders of the Church v The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God v Those who are working for justice in the world v The broken, that they may find God s healing Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered.

7 Monday, November 28 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, God of our ancestors: to you be praise and glory forever. You called the patriarchs to live by the light of faith and to journey in the hope of your promised fulfillment. May we be obedient to your call and be ready and watchful to receive your Christ, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for you are our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 1, 2, 3 PM Psalm 4, 7 Isaiah 1:10-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Luke 20:1-18 Reflection: Dietrich Bonhoeffer once famously said that the encounter with Christ puts two options in front of each one of us: either we must die, or we must put Jesus to death. What Bonhoeffer was getting at is that Christ, as C.S. Lewis put it, is the one thing in the world that we may not be indifferent about. And make no mistake: Jesus will put the choice to us. In the Gospel reading for today, this is precisely what he does. "Acknowledge the validity of John's ministry, and you thereby acknowledge mine." So doing is the point of no return that takes our lives out of our hands and puts them squarely in God's hands. That moment is the very beginning of faith. The Prayers: Pray today that Christ would put the choice to follow him to you in a fresh way. v The media and the arts v Farming and fishing v Commerce and industry v Those whose work is unfulfilling, stressful, or fraught with danger v All who are unemployed

8 Tuesday, November 29 th The Collect: Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 5, 6 PM Psalm 10, 11 Isaiah 1:21-31; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Luke 20:9-18 Reflection: The task of prophetic ministry that the prophets and Jesus were aligned with was to nurture, nourish, and evoke a consciousness and perception alternative to the consciousness and perception of the dominant culture around them. However, the majority of the culture and religious leaders throughout the scriptures rejected the prophets and Jesus in favor of the world around them. We see in the texts today that even though they may stand rejected, the plan of God is continually uprooting the world despite what we may see or even what we may choose. Are we willing to join that movement alongside our God and all that it may cost us? Or will we be the ones who reject the movement of God that is right before us? The Prayers: v All who are sick in body, mind, or spirit v Those in the midst of famine or disaster v Victims of abuse and violence, intolerance and prejudice v Those who are bereaved v All who work in the medical and healing professions

9 Wednesday, November 30 th The Collect: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24 PM Psalm 12, 13, 14 Isaiah 2:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20; Luke 20:19-26 Reflection: In today s reading Paul, Silas, and Timothy tell the Thessalonians, You are our glory and our joy. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the establishment of God s Kingdom, and the humbling that will come to us all, so that we may also be brought high in his great glory and joy. And in Jesus s harsh reply to his enemies, Give to Caesar s what is Caesar s, and give to God what is God s he sets his face toward his love his glory and joy his bride. The coming of Jesus then and again one day, and what the Scriptures are always speaking to, is that we would know our true identity. We are not just a little part of the Church. We are not just wayward Israel. We belong to Jesus, we are his great glory, we are his great joy. His coming in flesh tells us so. The Prayers: v The social services v All who work in the criminal justice system v Victims and perpetrators of crime v The work of aid agencies throughout the world v Those living in poverty or under oppression

10 Thursday, December 1 st The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, God of our ancestors: to you be praise and glory forever. You called the patriarchs to live by the light of faith and to journey in the hope of your promised fulfillment. May we be obedient to your call and be ready and watchful to receive your Christ, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; for you are our light and our salvation. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 18:1-20 PM Psalm 18:21-50 Isaiah 2:12-22; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13; Luke 20:27-40 Reflection: Not too long ago a girl ed me to express her frustration and bewilderment at the Gospel text for today. "I am recently married," she explained, "and I love my husband so much. But Jesus says that at the resurrection, our marriage will have disappeared. That seems cruel and harsh." It was causing her faith to spin a bit. I replied in the only way I could think of. "Listen," I said, "perhaps that is because at the resurrection, we will meet and touch the face of Love itself. God will be all in all. Complaining that there will be no marriage in the resurrection is a bit like being sad that you can't bring your fishbowl with you on a scuba-diving trip. We will be immersed in God. Our containers will not be necessary anymore." The Prayers: We were made for Love. For the God who is Love. Pray that today fresh yearning would rise up in your heart for the God's limitless love to wash over not only your life, but the life of all that lives. v Local government, community leaders v All who provide local services v Those who work with young or elderly people v Schools, colleges, and universities v Emergency and rescue organizations

11 Friday, December 2 nd The Collect: Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17 PM Psalm 22 Isaiah 3:8-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; Luke 20:41-21:4 Reflection: It is moments like these where Jesus calls in to question What is abundance? What are riches? What is poverty, truly? Throughout Jesus s ministry he throws the whole functional paradigm into chaos and we see the truest realities exposed before us. We begin to see that we will always run short of money, love, titles, publications, sex, years, and life. It tears open our imagined scarcity, which invites a moment of transformation in how we approach our generosity and giving, especially out of our material lack. As we journey through Advent, we pray that we would be made into a people who are generous, that God would quiet our anxieties of lack and show us the field of his abundance. We pray that we would become a people who give endlessly. The Prayers: Pray today that in the midst of our perceived deficit, that the Lord would come to you afresh. v Our nation, our leaders, and the armed forces v Peace and justice in the world v Those who work for reconciliation v All whose lives are devastated by war and civil strife v Prisoners, refugees, and homeless people

12 Saturday, December 3 rd The Collect: Lord Jesus, light of the world, born in David s city of Bethlehem, born like him to be a king: be born in our hearts at Christmas, be King of our lives today. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 20, 21:1-14 PM Psalm 110:1-7; 116, 117 Isaiah 4:2-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Luke 21:5-19 Reflection: As human beings we either live awake continually aware of and participating in the life of the Spirit and the Kingdom of God; or we live as fleshly shells asleep to the realities of God, fearful of the world around us, and surprised at the brokenness we find spilling out in the streets. I have a friend who reminds me often: It is the hardest work you can do to live fully alive, standing as a whole person, giving yourself to the world as God gives himself to us. She s right. It is the hardest work because it requires us to rush into the brokenness within ourselves, confront it, surrender it, and invite the Spirit to do something contrary in us. Waking up hurts sometimes. Yet one of the greatest mysteries and joys in the life of faith is what happens when you choose to step into life with God. It may hurt at first, but the painful work of stepping into your brokenness suddenly and surprisingly opens our beings to the flood of love and light that is God. You find yourself caught up with Christ, only able to hear his voice and see his advance in the world. Doing so, you find yourself in the shelter of his glory, unharmed and untainted from the brokenness that threatens us. For not even a hair on your head will perish. Who is this God, who loves us this much? Will you trust him today, opening your brokenness to him so that he can awaken you to the fullness of life in him? The Prayers: v Our Bloom family v Our homes, families, friends, and all whom we love v Those whose time is spent caring for others v Those who are close to death v Those who have lost hope v The worship of the Church

13 The Second Sunday of Advent December 4 th The Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72: ; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 Reflection: The readings for this Sunday of Advent put the issue squarely in front of us: the world, and all that is in it every plant and animal, every quark and string and electron and neutron, every planet and solar system and galaxy, every person from every tribe and race and tongue and language belongs to God. The Apostle Paul wrote that "all things were created by him (Christ) and for him" (Col 1:16). The rebellion of Creation against its Creator will not long last. God in Christ is on the way. The Church is that group of people who have perceived his coming reign ahead of time and decided to align themselves with it. That is the essence of repentance. It is the heart of what makes us the Church. The Prayers: Pray that today across the globe, the people of God would perceive the shape of Christ's reign afresh and give themselves completely to it. v The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ v The leaders of the Church v The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God v Those who are working for justice in the world v The broken, that they may find God s healing Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered.

14 Monday, December 5 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory forever. Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things. Grant us, your people, to walk in his light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgment; for you are our light and salvation. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 25 PM Psalm 9, 15 Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Luke 21:20-28 Reflection: The Gospel reading for today is often thought of as the future cosmic collapse of the universe or the great apocalyptic ending. However, the imagery Jesus uses here is directed at the destruction of Jerusalem or specifically the Temple. The Temple in that time was the very symbol for the people of God s presence in their midst. So what Jesus was doing in foretelling of its destruction is instead inviting them into a new Kingdom and new reality with God. The Temple was no longer, and instead there was this God-man Jesus with them. His invitation, then and now, to all of humanity is not collapse and destruction but that his lived presence among us is a doorway into life with God forevermore. The Prayers: v The media and the arts v Farming and fishing v Commerce and industry v Those whose work is unfulfilling, stressful, or fraught with danger v All who are unemployed

15 Tuesday, December 6 th The Collect: Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and savior we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 26, 28 PM Psalm 36, 39 Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; Luke 21:29-38 Reflection: The Gospels constantly drop us down into these moments in the life of Jesus where he talks about the world around us crumbling and encourages his people to watch for the coming of God s Kingdom. It is kind of bizarre, isn t it? No one ever tells you at the beginning of the life of faith that much of our job is less about doing things and is more so about watching and waiting, ordering our lives around joy and peace, pointing out the signs of his Kingdom, and hoping for crumbling so that all may be rebuilt. What a strange invitation. Where do you see the Kingdom at work today? How can you point it out to the world around you? The Prayers: v All who are sick in body, mind, or spirit v Those in the midst of famine or disaster v Victims of abuse and violence, intolerance and prejudice v Those who are bereaved v All who work in the medical and healing professions

16 Wednesday, December 7 th The Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 38 PM Psalm 119:25-48 Isaiah 6:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; John 7:53-8:11 Reflection: If what the Church claims about the Trinity is true, then at the very center of all things, there is a pulsating, indefatigable, everlastingly radiant love and beauty which created and even now animates and sustains the universe. Here and there we are given glimpses into it. Isaiah had one. He perceives the iridescent splendor of God and volunteers himself to bear witness to it. Unfortunately, in a world drunk on ugliness, his message fell on deaf ears. Ours may as well. Don t let it dissuade you. The world needs to see what you see. It needs to hear what you hear. Prophetic ministry lives at the intersection between God's beauty and the world's ugliness, and does not rest until it has done all it can to bring that beauty to expression. The Prayers: Pray that today God would grace you with creativity and courage to bear witness to his world-redeeming beauty. v The social services v All who work in the criminal justice system v Victims and perpetrators of crime v The work of aid agencies throughout the world v Those living in poverty or under oppression

17 Thursday, December 8 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory forever. Of old you spoke by the mouth of your prophets, but in our days you speak through your Son, whom you have appointed the heir of all things. Grant us, your people, to walk in his light, that we may be found ready and watching when he comes again in glory and judgment; for you are our light and salvation. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 37:1-18 PM Psalm 37:19-42 Isaiah 7:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Luke 22:1-13 Reflection: God is good for his end of the deal he has his eyes and his concerns on the righteous. Despite what we face in life, it is those who do good that dwell in the land of God forever. He makes it so. But what does it mean for us to do good or be righteous? In the ancient near east they would have thought of righteousness similarly to how Desmond Tutu describes Ubuntu (the Zulu word for a righteous person ), in saying Ubuntu speaks to the very essence of being human. You are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours. We belong in a bundle of life. May you step into righteousness with God today. The Prayers: v Local government, community leaders v All who provide local services v Those who work with young or elderly people v Schools, colleges, and universities v Emergency and rescue organizations

18 Friday, December 9 th The Collect: Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and savior we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 31 PM Psalm 35 Isaiah 7:10-25; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30 Reflection: Jesus. The disciples. The Last Supper. What begins as Jesus giving his brothers a window into all that is to come, ends with them arguing over which one of them is the greatest. We often scoff at the idea of course none of them is the greatest! Don t they know how silly that sounds! But are we that different than the disciples? We look down on theologies different than ours. We scratch our heads at disciplines we have not partaken in. We stand appalled at the measures some will go to earn God s love or to prove their worth among people. We pray or give with impure motives. We mock the worship of other churches. We pride ourselves on the answers we have found and the things we have seen God do. Who among us is the greatest? Yet all the while the feast of the table lays open before us. Where we can come and freely partake. Where there is enough for all of us. Where we can talk and share and laugh. Where no one will have too little. Where we can look to the head of the Church and hear of our part in the Kingdom. Today, may you repent of your attempts at greatness and instead find yourself feasting at Christ s table. The Prayers: v Our nation, our leaders, and the armed forces v Peace and justice in the world v Those who work for reconciliation v All whose lives are devastated by war and civil strife v Prisoners, refugees, and homeless people

19 Saturday, December 10 th The Collect: Lord Jesus, light of the world, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people in trouble. Give peace in our hearts at Christmas and show all the world God s love. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 30, 32 PM Psalm 42, 43 Isaiah 8:1-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18; Luke 22:31-38 Reflection: "Do not follow the way of this people" is forever the challenge that is laid at the feet of the Church. The pressures to conformity are great. They always are. In a world driven along by narratives of fear and antagonism, by the forces of violence, avarice, and greed, by the commercialization of sex and by the gospel of selfaggrandizement, we often find it hard to even adequately name the evils around us, much less resist them. But Christ is in our midst as He who strengthens us in our identity in God, interceding for us that we would rise in clear-minded faithfulness. "I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail" is a prayer that Christ the Intercessor continually prays for us. And our faith will not fail. He will see to it. The Prayers: Pray clarity of mind and strength of will into the Church around the world today. v Our Bloom family v Our homes, families, friends, and all whom we love v Those whose time is spent caring for others v Those who are close to death v Those who have lost hope v The worship of the Church

20 The Third Sunday of Advent December 11 th The Collect: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:4-9; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 Reflection: Even the disciples questioned what they were seeing after the resurrection. Even when the great theophany of God stood before them, they questioned if this was actually it. John, struck with similar doubts, asked if Jesus was actually the Messiah that they longed for. The beauty of Jesus s response is that it never involves coercion. Instead, Jesus represented the divine interchange, where his presence, words, and touch fundamentally changed the world one movement at a time. Have faith that he was and is the one, the Messiah, inviting you into the beauty of the divine. The Prayers: v The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ v The leaders of the Church v The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God v Those who are working for justice in the world v The broken, that they may find God s healing Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered.

21 Monday, December 12 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory forever. Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth as a burning and shining light. May we your servants rejoice in his light, and so be led to witness to him who is the Lord of our coming kingdom, Jesus our Savior and King of the ages. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 41, 52 PM Psalm 44 Isaiah 8:16-9:1; 2 Peter 1:1-11; Luke 22:39-53 Reflection: Isaiah paints a picture of darkness and gloom for those who will not wait for him. Peter invites us to the riches of godly living or a life of perpetual corruption and evil should we not submit ourselves to his goodness. Then there is Jesus the one that strengthens us, that one that gives us all that we need, and the one that welcomes us to his eternal Kingdom. He is the one we wait for, even while we cannot keep watch with him, even while we betray him. Which way are we to go? At Jesus s birth many celebrated his coming. At his second coming, will we be found waiting and watching, submitting ourselves to him, and ready to celebrate? He is the one whom you wait for, even now. Believe. The Prayers: v The media and the arts v Farming and fishing v Commerce and industry v Those whose work is unfulfilling, stressful, or fraught with danger v All who are unemployed

22 Tuesday, December 13 th The Collect: God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 45 PM Psalm 47, 48 Isaiah 9:1-7; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Luke 22:54-69 Reflection: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light," Isaiah says. The Gospel of Matthew later picks up this bit of Scripture and uses it to explain what was happening with Jesus the depth and meaning of life were opened up to those that first saw and heard him as they came in contact with his redemptive power. Most religions and systems of thought find ways to speak of illumination. For Christianity, "illumination" has a face and a name: Jesus. To cleave to him is to find ourselves ushered into God's deepest wisdom. Paul said that in Christ were "all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). See his face. Know the depths of his name. Be fascinated by his love. It will transform you. The Prayers: Pray that Christ, the Light, would flood the world today, and that men and women everywhere would see and acknowledge his beauty. v All who are sick in body, mind, or spirit v Those in the midst of famine or disaster v Victims of abuse and violence, intolerance and prejudice v Those who are bereaved v All who work in the medical and healing professions

23 Wednesday, December 14 th The Collect: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72 PM Psalm 49, 53 Isaiah 9:8-17; 2 Peter 2:1-10a; Mark 1:1-8 Reflection: The book of Mark, from its outset, gets to the point of what God is up to he is ushering in a new Kingdom. John the Baptist is clearing the threshing floor because the Kingdom of God is at hand. John is preparing the way for the Messiah to come. The invitation then and now is for all of humanity to reconsider life: all that is important and all that we hold to. For in the coming of Jesus, life itself is about to take center stage and those who thought they had no chance to join in are the ones whom are most welcome. His Kingdom is here. The Prayers: v The social services v All who work in the criminal justice system v Victims and perpetrators of crime v The work of aid agencies throughout the world v Those living in poverty or under oppression

24 Thursday, December 15 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, just and true: to you be praise and glory forever. Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth as a burning and shining light. May we your servants rejoice in his light, and so be led to witness to him who is the Lord of our coming kingdom, Jesus our Savior and King of the ages. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 50 PM Psalm 59, 60 Isaiah 9:18-10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Matthew 3:1-12 Reflection: You have probably noticed by now that the lectionary readings for this Advent are quite apocalyptic. In today s readings Isaiah warns of fire, wrath, hunger, anger, reckoning, and death. Peter warns of corruption, vengeance, sin, and wickedness. John the Baptist s message in the Gospel is the same, but this time the coming wrath is accompanied with a twist a way through it repentance. To be clear, the Christian faith has always believed that this repentance is not an escape. It isn t dodging a bullet or a narrow miss. Repentance instead is a way through our sinfulness so that in our coming wrath God instead finds us ready to receive him. We are purified in repentance. We are cleansed. We are made whole. Repentance means staring down all that is within us which is not of his Spirit and turning ourselves towards another way. In repentance we prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts and in many ways make ourselves ready for his coming. John the Baptist ushered in the ministry of Jesus for his people. If today, we repent, how will Jesus be ushered into us? The Prayers: v Local government, community leaders v All who provide local services v Those who work with young or elderly people v Schools, colleges, and universities v Emergency and rescue organizations

25 Friday, December 16 th The Collect: God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 40, 54 Psalm 51 Isaiah 10:5-19; 2 Peter 2:17-22; Matthew 11:2-15 Reflection: Part of what made the prophets of Israel prophets was their gift of perception: beneath the tumult of their day they were able to perceive the hand of God at work and bring it to expression. "Assyria has overstepped its boundaries" declared Isaiah, "and God will see to it that she is rebuked for so doing. Her aggression is coming to an end." And it did. The world we live in is similarly filled with tumult. Violence and the agony of seemingly intractable geopolitical and social situations daily fill our headlines. Many throw their hands up in resignation. But we know better. We believe that the Lord of the nations is at ever hand to cut the Gordian knots of our own making, ushering in his justice. And so with the Church worldwide we cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus!" The Prayers: Pray that the reign of God would make itself manifest across our world today. v Our nation, our leaders, and the armed forces v Peace and justice in the world v Those who work for reconciliation v All whose lives are devastated by war and civil strife v Prisoners, refugees, and homeless people

26 Saturday, December 17 th The Collect: Lord Jesus, light of the world, John told the people to prepare, for you were very near. As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome you now. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 55 PM Psalm 138, 139:1-23 Isaiah 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9 Reflection: If we haven t yet noticed, the movement of Advent rips out of our hands all that we hold on to for the sake of a better way. God is with us, he is in our midst, and by his very presence the world is being set right. Valleys are lifted up and mountains are brought low when God enters in. The poor are lifted up, the forgotten are acknowledged, and the whole system is called into question. The concern of God seems to always lie on those whom the constructs of the world forgets, and when he enters the picture we begin to see the new reality in which we are invited to partake. The Prayers: v Our Bloom family v Our homes, families, friends, and all whom we love v Those whose time is spent caring for others v Those who are close to death v Those who have lost hope v The worship of the Church

27 The Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18 th The Collect: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 Reflection: We ve finally arrived at Joseph and Mary, pregnant with child. The angel encouraging them, Do not be afraid. His name is Jesus. He will save his people. What child is this? What God is this? This divine man who comes to his people in a human family, as a small and helpless baby he comes to be with his people, God living and breathing among them. The Incarnation is perhaps one of the most bizarre tenants of Christian doctrine. God stepping low to live with us. Humanity, rescued by one like us. Today, take the time to ponder Immanuel God with us and do not be afraid of the mystery, but welcome him, who has come to save his people. The Prayers: v The Church, that she may be ready for the coming of Christ v The leaders of the Church v The nations, that they may be subject to the rule of God v Those who are working for justice in the world v The broken, that they may find God s healing Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered.

28 Monday, December 19 th The Collect: Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, merciful and gentle: to you be praise and glory forever. Your light has shone in our darkened world through the child-bearing of blessed Mary; grant that we who have seen your glory may daily be renewed in your image and prepared like her for the coming of your Son, who is the Lord and Savior of all. Blessed be God forever, amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 61, 62 PM Psalm 112, 115 Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 20:1-10; John 5:30-47 Reflection: "You diligently search the Scriptures because you think that in them you possess eternal life," says Jesus in today's Gospel. And yet, "you refuse to come to me to have life." Why is it that we stop just short of Jesus in our quest to find life? Perhaps because we sense that the moment we open the door to Jesus, things have the potential to get messy. No one who seriously welcomes him stays the same. Like a whirlwind he comes blowing into our safe and manageable lives, overturning them with his redeeming love. It is for the best, of course; but the process will not be neat, or easy, or clean. Embrace it. The Love that hung the sun and the stars is marching in. Many things we held dear will have to go. We will get something much better in return. The Prayers: Pray that the Church would have the courage to once again receive the disruptive reign of Christ, her King today. v The media and the arts v Farming and fishing v Commerce and industry v Those whose work is unfulfilling, stressful, or fraught with danger v All who are unemployed

29 Tuesday, December 20 th The Collect: Eternal God, as Mary waited for the birth of your Son, so we wait for his coming in glory; bring us through the birth pangs of this present age to see our great salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 66, 67 PM Psalm 116, 117 Isaiah 11:10-16; Revelation 20:11-21:8; Luke 1:5-25 Reflection: The hope of the people of God is that we are seated in the grand narrative of the Redeemer. Somehow, despite all that takes place in the world, we are tethered to an inconceivable vision. This vision is our hope and it gives us the ability to refuse to accept the narrative and reality of our world. Our hope allows us to call into question the present and live as pilgrims that proclaim and live for a better world Thy Kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Revelation provides for us the picture of our eschatological hope, where once again God and humanity dwell in perfect union, filling the longing of our souls. The Prayers: v All who are sick in body, mind, or spirit v Those in the midst of famine or disaster v Victims of abuse and violence, intolerance and prejudice v Those who are bereaved v All who work in the medical and healing professions

30 Wednesday, December 21 st The Collect: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 72 PM Psalm 111, 113 Isaiah 28:9-22; Revelation 21:9-21; Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: The angel of the Lord comes to Mary with quite the proclamation: You are highly favored! You, a virgin, will give birth to a child because the Holy Spirit has come upon you. His kingdom will never end. The story is familiar to us now, but what? This is the stuff of fables and make believe tales. This is not just a normal, everyday occurrence. Yet hidden in the Gospel reading today we learn that the prophets foretold it would be like this. This child would be a descendent of their ancestors, the angel said so. Yet as farfetched as this passage may seem, perhaps what is even more astounding is Mary s response. She is overcome with God s choosing of her. She is humble. She is delighted. She receives God s gift to her. She calls herself a servant of the Lord, and she is honored to do so. May you, today, in whatever gift God is giving to you, no matter how outlandish or farfetched it may seem, may you receive him and serve him in doing so. Remember, no word from God will ever fail. The Prayers: v The social services v All who work in the criminal justice system v Victims and perpetrators of crime v The work of aid agencies throughout the world v Those living in poverty or under oppression

31 Thursday, December 22 nd The Collect: Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you, and in an affectionate walking with you, every day of our lives; that when you come, we may be found not hiding, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious God forever. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 80 PM Psalm 146, 147 Isaiah 29:13-24; Revelation 21:22-22:5; Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56) Reflection: The reading from Revelation gives us a glimpse into the End. "They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads" (22:4). At the end of his massive work, The City of God, the great Saint Augustine wrote, "There we shall rest and see, see and love, love and praise. This is how it shall be in the End which has no end." This is what we are destined for everlasting communion with God, an eternally unfolding "knowing" of the Triune Life in which we will stretch out forever in the boundless quest to drink ever more deeply of the Love that created us and calls out to us. To let the mind and heart run free in dreams of the End like this is no escapist fantasy; it is, rather, the very heart of holiness. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself" says John, "even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). One day, we will find ourselves awash in holy ecstasy. May God grant you a drink of it even now. The Prayers: Pray that today the Church would remember the End for which she was made. v Local government, community leaders v All who provide local services v Those who work with young or elderly people v Schools, colleges, and universities v Emergency and rescue organizations

32 Friday, December 23 rd The Collect: Almighty God, as we prepare with joy to celebrate the gift of the Christ-child, embrace the earth with your glory and be for us a living hope in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Readings: AM Psalm 93, 96 PM Psalm 148, 150 Isaiah 33:17-22; Revelation 22:6-11, 18-20; Luke 1:57-66 Reflection: Throughout the scriptures we see that in the beauty and majesty of the King, all is set in place. Reality is finally set into its full order. Until then, the way we practice now is in worship and wonder because in doing so we see the world in light of God. As theologian Abraham Heschel says, God is not a hypothesis derived from logical assumptions, but an immediate insight, self-evident as light. He is not something to be sought in the darkness with the light of reason. He is the light. Our light, Jesus, breaking into the world. We worship and wonder, wait and watch, contemplate and anticipate our King. The Prayers: v Our Bloom family v Our nation, our leaders, and the armed forces v Peace and justice in the world v Those who work for reconciliation v All whose lives are devastated by war and civil strife v Prisoners, refugees, and homeless people

33 Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24 th The Collect: O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The Readings: AM Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 45, 46; Revelation 22:12-17, 21 PM Isaiah 59:15b-21; Psalm 89:1-29; Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 1:67-80 Reflection: In my family, every Christmas Eve we attend a Catholic mass. We come home to eat gumbo and drink wine. We usually listen to Christmas music, sit by the tree, and each open an early Christmas present. Eventually, one by one, we wander up to our beds to sleep. Even since a child, I ve always found myself full of wonder and ache, lying there alone in the dark, pondering Christ s birth into the world. What kind of God is this that I love, who would come to this earth, for me? He breathed like me. His skin felt like my skin. His legs got tired. He laughed. He cried. He sees me and knows me and loves me. This is the God I get to call my own! Will he come, will he really come again? Today, you will wait to remember him. You will ponder his birth in a manger. You will be with those you love. You will hear and live in the same familiar story. But more so, let the ache in your heart for him run wild, let it run beyond just remembering him to desiring him more than ever. For the rest of the story is still yet to be written. Your longing will be fulfilled. He will come again. Take heart.

34 The Prayers: Father, in this holy night your Son our Savior was born as a child among us. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with love those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night Mary, in the pain of labor, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night your Christ came as a light shining in darkness. Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night the angels sang Peace to God s people on earth. Strengthen those who work for peace and justice in all the world. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night heaven comes down to earth, and the earth is raised to heaven. Keep in safety all those who passed through death in the hope of heaven. Holy God, hear our prayer. In this holy night Christians the world over celebrate his birth. Open our hearts that he may be born in us today. Holy God, hear our prayer. Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered. Father, in this holy night angels and shepherds worshipped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph, and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

35 Christmas Day Sunday. December 25 th The Collect: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20 Reflection: It was a commonplace among the Fathers of the early church that the Incarnation was no metaphysical sleight of hand concocted by God to try to teach humanity some truth more fundamental than the act itself. No, for the Fathers, the Incarnation itself was the very truth God was communicating. The God who declared to Israel "I will never leave you nor forsake you" on this day declares anew to humanity how utterly serious he is about being God with us, God for us. When the Second Person of the Trinity, Christ himself, God of very God, takes on our humanity, then and there God makes good on his word to be our Immanuel forever, washing our sin-stained lives with holiness. "What God has not assumed he has not healed" is how the Fathers used to say it. There, in the manger, we witness this strange glory, a glory that would happily endures all the ignominy of human existence to make good his word. And so we adore Him. The Christ. God in flesh. Our living Hope.

36 The Prayers: Your intercessions for the world, the Church, our city, our Bloom family, and your own personal concerns are offered. O saving Lord, God with us, born of the Virgin by the power of the Spirit: be born in us today. Son of David, foretold by the prophets: be born in us today. Glorious offspring of Abraham, awaited by the patriarchs: be born in us today. Savior of your people, proclaimed by angels: be born in us today. O Light eternal, giving sight to the eyes of the blind: be born in us today. O lover of justice and peace, ruler of all ages: be born in us today. Alleluia!