second week of advent

During the second week of Advent, “a shoot comes out from the stump of Jesse, the wolf dwells with the lamb, the leopard lies down with the kid, the calf and the lion march side by side in God’s parade of peace, and a little child shall lead them.” + Isaiah 11:1-10  

Let’s pray without ceasing this week for God’s peace and light to overwhelm the world.

+++++

Light

Two Candles for Hope and Peace
 
Read

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”  + John 14:27
 
Pray

Loving God, this is what you said to the prophets who were charged with speaking truth to power:  “Be not afraid.”  This is what Jesus said to his followers, most of whom were terrified of the Roman Empire’s violence:  “Be not afraid.”  This is what your angel said to Mary who was about to give birth:  “Be not afraid.”  God of comfort and mercy, say those bracing, beautiful words now to us:  “Be not afraid, for I am with you.  I will never leave you for forsake you.”  This is our prayer, Amen.
 
Practice
 
Monday:  Celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day by filling someone’s shoes with sweets and straw. Random, quirky acts of kindness are almost always appreciated.

Tuesday:  “Taste and see that God is good!”  + Psalm 34  Make this ancient psalm sing again by baking cookies and sharing them with a neighbor and, in doing so, banish the threat of loneliness.

Wednesday:  Say a prayer over your to-do list.  There’s so much to do, so many people to welcome, so many cookies to be baked, it’s hard not feel weary and anxious.  Pray, “God, be with me!  Help me to slow down, to feel less anxious, to rediscover the beauty and joy of simplicity.  Amen.”

Thursday:  Plant a seed in a tiny pot or jar and place it in a sunny window.  Now, watch it grow throughout Advent.  Slowly but surely, God's peace will grow and bloom.

Friday:  Fast from technology today.  Turn off all your gadgets and rest in the presence of God all around.

Meditate

“May you love God so much that you love nothing else too much; and may you fear God just enough that you need fear nothing else at all.”

+++++

Thanks to Rhys Alton for capturing God's unstoppable life.