This Sunday we will listen to the ancient prophecy of Micah in 5: 2-5a.
We will also listen to an intimate encounter between Mary and Elizabeth and Mary’s song of joy, the Magnificat as recorded in Luke 1: 39-55.
May these days of waiting, anticipating, and expectation, be filled with unexpected encounters with Emmanuel, God-with-us.
As you re-read these familiar stories, pay attention to words and phrases that the Spirit of God brings to your attention.
Sit with your questions, your wonderings and listen for God. Pay attention to images or an invitation that may arise.
May your prayers with scripture both inspire and uphold you amidst the deep needs we carry and the deep needs of the world.
God, who hears us,
as we continue on our Advent journey, we acknowledge we are already filled up with waiting.
Waiting to hear the next report of bad news;
another mass shooting, another refugee crisis,
another famine, another environmental disaster,
another Covid covid outbreak, another Covid variant.
The news is a litany of things to fear
that fills our heads with dread.
We wait for your help.
Remind us of Mary and Joseph,
ordinary people living in a country
under the boot of an oppressive regime,
who believed in your salvation,
holding on to hope against hope.
We hold on to you believing in your ability
to be born again even in times like these.
Give us eyes to see your arriving,
as we do the hard work of being decent
in the rough and tumble of family life.
Give us ears to see your arriving as we hear prophets proclaim good news
that the powerful will be brought down
and those who live in poverty will rejoice
We long to touch the hem of your garment
so that those we know who are sick
could be healed,
those who are grieving could be comforted.
We long to taste your good news!
In this season of growing darkness,
keep our eyes fixed on the pinpoints of light
that shine and shine
because nothing can put them out.
In the name of Jesus, our hope we pray. Amen