December 6 (Second in Advent) - Malachi 3:1-4
O to be a voice, Lord, in the wilderness of these times--the wildersness of plenty as well as the wilderness of need. Satan stands accusing your high priest Jacob in Malachi, even as he stands beside us, intimidating, confusing the mind, robbing us of the clarity we need to speak your word.
Thank you for rebuking him and affirming your servants. Thank you, too, for removing the filthy rags in which we are clothed and reclothing us in festal garments--thus to signal the taking away of our guilt.
Give us now the grace to wait in your presence for all you would have us declare, that the surrounding wilderness might, as Isaiah promised, blossom like the rose and be fed by fresh streams from your Spirit. Amen.
December 13 (Third in Advent) - Isaiah 12:2-6
We sing often, Lord, that "your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my way." How true!
If it were not for you and your coming to us, once as a babe and soon as Lord of all, where would we be.
The hope that is within us is full of yearning foir you. No one less can satisy those yearnings. Surely you are our salvation and you have proven yourself trustworthy over and over again.
Help us, Lord, to make you known in all the places where we live, and send us forth to unknown climes where others yearn as we do for your presence and power. Take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of your peace. Amen.
December 20 (Fourth in Adent) - Psalm 80:1-7
It is Stir Up Sunday again, Lord, and we need your Spirit throughout this busy week. Captive to ouyr culture, especially this time of year, it is hard to focus in on what really matters--yoiur coming among us.
Let your face shine that we may be saved. Bring to memory all your mighty acts in history and in our own lives, and help us make our way to the manger where your Son lies who is our only Lord and Savior.
Let us hear the angel's song once more in the clear cold air of midnight. And let us return from the glories awaiting us by the manger bed gloryifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen. again, even as it has been told us. Amen.
December 27 (First after Christmas) - Psalm 148
Once again, Lord, we have seen and experienced for ourselves how gracious and merciful you are. Truly your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
Remind us moving forward how faithful you have been and are. Help us with all who by faith are righteous that you raise up all who are bowed down and give them food in due season. And help us declare in our world that you are near to all who call upon you in truth, fulfilling the desire of every human heart.
Tune our hearts to sing your praise and stir our minds to do your bidding, 'till all flesh will bless your name with us forever and ever. Amen.
