​In the fourth week of Advent we light the final purple candle, with the other 3.
 
DECEMBER 24
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Worship the Lord in holy splendour; tremble before him, all the earth.  (Psalm 96:9)
READ: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.  You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.  For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.  For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.  For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.  He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The ‘day of Midian’ refers to the great victory of Gideon over the Midianites (see Judges 6).
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  The zeal of the LORD
The lesson begins with the contrast between darkness and light.  Darkness was probably a reference to Israel’s despair because of ‘the rod of the oppressor’, most likely the Assyrian army.  There is a promise of light shining on them and restoring them as a nation to great joy and plenty.  The oppressor will be defeated.  Then the prophet reveals the one who will lead them to this great victory—a child has been born.  His name reveals his awesome greatness, “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  The Christian Church reads this and has no doubt this is a reference to Jesus, the Messiah.  His coming will be with great victory, restoring, not just one nation, not just the Church, but all creation to joy and plenty, and he’ll do it with justice and righteousness.  Who will do this?  “The zeal [passionate commitment] of the Lord of hosts will do this.”  Sometimes we think it’s all up to us.  It’s good to be reminded once again this Advent that God, and God alone is in absolute control.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Of the 4 names for Messiah, which one most resonates with your life today?  Linger over the name and ponder what Christ wants you to know and live today.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Your zeal, Lord of Hosts, will do all that you promised.  Help me today to rest in the truth I’ve been pondering in your name … (state the one you chose).  May I live, confident in your work in the world and my life today.  Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who passionately committed to fulfilling his purpose.
 
CHRISTMAS DAY.  All four Advent candles are lit today with the white candle that signifies Christ, the Light has come.
 
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
READ: Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  The time came
We have sanitized this story in our children’s pageants and our Christmas carols sung to calming tunes, turning the story into a sentimental ‘happy birthday’ party for Jesus.  We need to empty our minds of that, and read the story as if for the first time.  A Roman ruler makes a decree that would mean hardship to thousands of people, including Mary and Joseph.  A young pregnant girl had to travel by foot and donkey to a strange town, Bethlehem.  Imagine the journey as they might have experienced it.  At a time in her life when she most wanted her mother to help her give birth to her first child, she’s alone in a town over-crowded with strangers from all over the Roman world.  “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.”  Alone among strangers in a stable, not a sanitized hospital bed; a manger, not a soft clean crib.  This wasn’t what Mary planned for her first child.  Who helped Mary give birth?
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
As you read the story as if for the first time, what was something you saw you never noticed before?  How might this connect with your life today?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Sometimes, Lord, I’ve reduced your birth, to s sentimental birthday celebration.  The Gospel lesson reminds me how difficult it was for you to take on human flesh as a vulnerable and helpless baby.  Forgive me for trivializing your nativity and thank you for being willing to pay the price to rescue your creation.  In gratitude I pray, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who risked all by becoming helpless baby.
 
1ST Day AFTER CHRISTMAS
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
READ: Luke 2:8-20
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’  So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Everyone was amazed
The shepherds hasten to the stable to see ‘this thing’ made known by angels.  They told everyone in the stable what they’d seen and heard from the angels, and everyone was amazed, everyone except Mary.  She was reflective.  “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.”  She wasn’t amazed because she knew who her infant son was; she knew and believed.  The shepherds gave her food for thought, not amazement.  A long time ago I won third prize at DIY demonstration.  When I entered the room, and signed a card for the prize drawing, I knew with absolute and inexplicable certainty I’d win the 3rd prize.  When my name was called, I wasn’t amazed or excited because I knew that prize was mine.  I wonder if that’s how Mary felt.  Her amazement and excitement had passed.  She now had God’s Son to raise and protect and therefore, she needed to keep the shepherds’ words in her heart and perhaps pass them on to her baby boy one day.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What do you treasure and ponder in your heart?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
God of Glory, you chose a manger in Bethlehem for your Son to be born.  You chose shepherds to receive the angelic tidings of this good news.  You chose a young girl, Mary to raise Jesus, your son.  Like her, may I too treasure your truth so that it changes me to be more like Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who came and brought great joy to others.
 
2ND Day AFTER CHRISTMAS
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray, For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
READ: Psalm 96
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples. 
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.  For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Honour and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.  Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.  Worship the Lord in holy splendour; tremble before him, all the earth.  Say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!  The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.  He will judge the peoples with equity.’  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it.  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.  He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Tell of God’s greatness
Christmas is a joyous celebration; not as ‘birthday party for Jesus’, but as the fulfillment of God’s promise to come and restore all creation back to its original goodness.  Today’s psalm gives words fitting for this celebration.  All God’s people are called to rejoice and tell God’s greatness.  But that’s not enough, thus the psalm invites ‘families of the peoples,’ that is, all people of the earth, to ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.  Still not enough praise, and therefore, creation itself is invited to join the celebration and ascribe praise to God, who alone is God.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What words in this psalm energize you to praise God?  Memorize them and ponder them today.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord Jesus, I desire to be among those who declare your salvation to the ends of the earth.  Empower me with your Spirit that I may do this today.  In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, then go forth to ascribe to the LORD the glory that is his due.
 
3RD Day AFTER CHRISTMAS
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray, All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
READ: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’  Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.  Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  In plain sight
“… for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.”  This is our hope and it’s sung in these verses with certainty.  Perhaps the ‘plain sight’ isn’t like the room full of gifts on Christmas day.  It’s not a ‘physical’ plain sight, but a spiritual reality.  Advent has led us to this moment when we are assured that Christ came and will come again to restore justice and righteousness in our world that seems to have run amok in some places.  So, rest in this hope and lift up your voices with the sentinels and sing for joy for what you see with the eyes of your heart,
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What do you see with the eyes of your heart?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord Jesus, thank you for the weeks of Advent with readings from your Word to remind me of your coming to reign in glory over all.  Keep me firm in faith to see you ‘in plain sight.’  In your name and for your sake, I pray.  Hallelujah, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who is in plain sight.

WEEK 3, DAY 1
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
READ: Psalm 126
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’  The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.  Restore our fortunes, Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.  May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.  Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Thirsting for God
God’s people had experienced hardship of some sort (not explained in the psalm) but God had, at last, restored their fortunes (lives).  They feel euphoric—mouths filled with laughter and tongues with shouts of joy.  And yet, their prayer request (v4) is still: ‘Restore our fortunes, Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.’  The Negeb was a desert area that counted on yearly rains that filled the rivers and watered the parched land, allowing farmers to plant seed.  The image is of a people dry and parched, thirsting for God, for healing and wholeness, waiting, in vibrant hope for those yearly ‘rains.’  There is hope for those who ‘sow in tears’ or ‘go out weeping.’
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
The imagery in this psalm of planting and harvesting goes with the imagery of water.  Reflect on these images wonder what message God seeks to convey to you today through them.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
You are a God who desires to see your people come to exuberant joy.  For all those who are experiencing sorrow today, may they be strengthened by your power and love to hope in your promise of a return with joy.  In the name of Jesus who came that our joy may be complete, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who brings ‘rain’ in season.
 
WEEK 3, DAY 2
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
READ: Isaiah 61:1-4
The spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;  to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.  They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former    devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Joy to the world
Jesus began his ministry in Nazareth applying the first 2 verses from Isaiah 61 to himself (Luke 4:18-19).  From Isaiah, we learn about Messiah’s mission.  Pay attention to what Messiah is sent to do, beginning with “to bring good news to the oppressed,” followed by six more, each beginning with ‘to’.  In each case, Jesus’ mission is a powerful ministry to the powerless, the disenfranchised and the marginalized, that is, the poor, the alien and the oppressed in our midst.  It is a mission to restore this marginalized group to a functioning community of well-being and joy.  This is the good news.  However, it’s not good news to those who benefit from keeping the poor in their place of poverty; keeping the alien at arm’s length.  Jesus isn’t good news to the rich and powerful.  Jesus is good news to those who struggle.  He will reverse their experience—a garland (a sign of victory celebration) instead of ashes (a sign of mourning, including mourning for sin).  Notice the two other times the word ‘instead’ is used in the same sentence, denoting transformation for the better.  This is joy to the world.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Wonder how ready you are today for this joy to the world.  Are you ready for Jesus’ transformative work in you and in the world?  Are willing to give up the status quo so that those on the periphery can join in the joy with you?  Who are they in your town?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord Jesus, we love to sing, ‘Joy to the world,’ but we’re reluctant to give up our status so that joy does reach the world.  Forgive us, I pray, and help us live joyfully today, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who truly is ‘joy to the world.’
 
WEEK 3, DAY 3
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
Read: John 1:19-28
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’  He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’  And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’  ‘Are you the prophet?’  He answered, ‘No.’  Then they said to him, ‘Who are you?  Let us have an answer for those who sent us.  What do you say about yourself?’  He said,
‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said.  Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.  They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’  John answered them, ‘I baptize with water.  Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’  This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Just a voice
I love John the Baptizer’s abrupt responses to his religious critics.  He refused to answer their questions.  When asked, ‘Who are you?’ instead of telling them, he categorically denied being Messiah.  And then he twice rather abruptly answered with, ‘I am not,’ and even ‘no’.  When his questioners insisted on an answer, he quoted from the prophet Isaiah, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” (Is 40:3).  Many would have recognized the saying and understood John’s role as forerunner of Messiah.  His questioners, however, were reluctant to accept John’s claim.  John, of all people!  A man of humble birth; a wild man in the lonely desert!  They don’t believe him and accuse him of false preaching.  John ignores their skepticism, refuses to give proof of his role.  He boldly pints beyond himself to one they don’t know but who is already among them; the one greater than himself; the one whose sandal thongs he’s unworthy to untie.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
John was willing to be ‘just a voice.’  Are you willing to, give up status and acclaim and just be a voice for Jesus during Advent?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
The humility of John reflects your own humility, Lord Jesus.  Teach me to be more like John and help me be a voice for you in our world today so that your Name is glorified and honored because of me, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who comes with humility.
 
WEEK 3, DAY 4
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.  May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  He will do this
The first part of the passage lists 8 do’s and don’ts.  We’re to rejoice, pray, give thanks.  We’re not to quench the Spirit, despise Scripture (words of the prophets), instead we are to test everything, hold fast to good and abstain from every form of evil.  It’s all rather burdensome until you read the last verses and discover it’s not so much about what we do and don’t do, it’s about what God does and will do in us.  God will sanctify us fully, keeping us ‘sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’.  It’s not just our souls, but our whole being, including our bodies, that God is concerned to make blameless.  We mess up often and sometimes we give up, thinking, ‘I’ll never be able to change.’  Stop trying!  Stand and let God work in you.  Yes, practice and practice the 8 do’s and don’ts, but remind yourself that, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.”
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Pick just one of the 8 do’s and don’ts and practice it today.  Each time you fail, repeat the last sentence of the passage.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord God who sanctifies me, today I’m going to practice and practice … (name the 1 thing you picked).  When I fail, I’ll try again because I know that you called me to holy living and you are faithful and will see me through to the end.  In the power of your Spirit, I pray, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who will do what he says.
 
WEEK 3, DAY 5
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
READ: Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’  But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.  And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.  He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’  Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’  The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.  And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.  For nothing will be impossible with God.’  Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mary was probably no more than 13 or 14 years old when the angel Gabriel visited her.  It cost her to become a Godbearer.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  A Godbearer
To many of us, this is a very familiar story.  And yet, we love to read it again and again.  Perhaps we love to read it so often because it brings back so many memories from our past.  I remember hearing this story for the first time in Sunday school when I was five years old.  I was immediately hooked.  Mary was to bear the Son of God!  What could be more amazing than that.  I went home and asked my mother if I would ever be like Mary; if I would become a Godbearer.  Perhaps I mostly wanted to be considered God’s favored one, just like Mary.  It was years later that I discovered I am a Godbearer.  So too are you who follow Jesus.  We’re to take God into the world just as Mary brought God in Christ into the world.  Perhaps not ‘just like Mary’.  Obviously no more virgin births!  But our lives are to be lived in such a way that others around us experience Jesus through us.  We take Jesus to the world through what we say and, more importantly, how we live.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Remember the first time you heard this story; recall your reactions and compare them with your thoughts today.  Wonder how you can be a Godbearer in the world today.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Like Mary, we too would be Godbearers for you, Lord Jesus Christ.  Give us Mary’s courage to face whatever difficulties and struggles and joys this may bring our way.  For the sake of your name, I pray. Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, before you take Jesus into the world where you go today.

​WEEK 2, DAY 1
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people. (Ps 85)
READ: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
LORD, you were favourable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.  You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin….  Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.  Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.  Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.  The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.  Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  The kiss
‘Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.’  The imagery in these words is wonderful.  Use your imagination and see righteousness and peace giving the kiss.  Righteousness means conforming to what is right.  In a relationship with God it means conforming to the requirements of the relationship, in other words living in accordance with God’s will.  Peace, shalom, is a rich Hebrew word that means full restoration of God’s kingdom where all will live in safety, wholeness and fruitfulness.  These two need to be on kissing terms.  Our world today is sorely lacking in righteousness and peace that operate (kiss) together.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Where do you see an urgent need for righteousness and peace to meet with ‘a kiss’?  How could you live differently today, in a way that brings righteousness and peace together?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
God of peace and righteousness, I want to live today in such a way that righteousness and peace kiss each other in me today.  For the sake of your steadfast love, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, in whom righteousness and peace kiss.
 
WEEK 2, DAY 2
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people.
READ: Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.  A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.  Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’  A voice says, ‘Cry out!’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’  All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.  The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass.  The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever.  Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Here is your God!’  See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.  He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Herald of Good Tidings
The first time the word gospel (translated here as ‘herald of good tidings’) is used in the Bible is here in Isaiah 40, and it’s used twice.  Mark, as you’ll read tomorrow, quotes from Isaiah, using the Greek word for gospel, that is, ‘good news’.  Mark also learned from Isaiah what the good news is about.  Too often we Christians think the good news is simply what Jesus did—died for our sins.  And yes, that’s good news, but not all of it.  Isaiah teaches us that the glad tidings is simply this: ‘Here is your God!’  The good news is that God is here among us.  This becomes a reality in the advent of Jesus.  Therefore, Mark begins his Gospel with ‘the good news of Jesus Christ.’  From Isaiah, we learn that the God who comes in Jesus comes to do two things.  First, he will bring judgment.  We’ve been reading about that this in the Advent passages, thus far.  Judgment isn’t a negative punishment.  It means that God is going to set this crazy, sinful world back to goodness, righteousness.  Second, he comes to take care of his flock, you and me, therefore he speaks tenderly to his people.  The word tenderly isn’t merely expressing words of comfort but implies persuasion to respond to God’s love.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Read the last sentence of the passage again and notice the 4 ways that God cares for his sheep.  What does this suggest to you about God’s relationship with yourself?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Tender Loving God, you speak tenderly to your people today, inviting and even persuading us to respond to your love.  I respond to you today and desire to show your love to those I meet today with your help.  In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who loves you and tenderly persuades you to receive his love.
 
WEEK 2, DAY 3
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people.
READ: Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” ’, John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.  Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.  He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.  I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mark attributes the Old Testament quote to Isaiah.  However, Mark begins with a line from Malachi 3 and then goes to Isaiah 40.  The Greek for ‘good news’ (sometimes translated ‘gospel’ in our Bible) was a common word used to refer to the ‘glad tidings’ of victory in battle.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Thirsty for a Word
“We are parched for a word from God.”  So writes Todd Billings in, The Word of God for the People of God.  And he’s correct.  In our thirst we search for a word in all sorts of places and preferably in a brief slogan we can pin on our refrigerators, hang on our walls, easily remember and not be too challenged by it.  As Billings claims, “We are thirsty and hungry, hoping for more.  We long for a word from God.”  It’s rather strange that we keep longing and looking because we live in a time when the Word has come.  We just have to read it.  But, if we lived in the 1st century we’d truly long for a word because God had been silent, sending no prophets with words from God.  Imagine living then and then imagine hearing the good news: God has broken his silence and spoken.  God has sent a prophet, the unknown John, with words about the longed-for Messiah.  John, however didn’t Facebook or tweet his message.  Neither did he preach on TV shows or in popular places of worship.  Those who were thirsty for a word from God had to make the treacherous journey into the remote and frightening wilderness across the Jordan River.  Only the brave and hopeful venture there.  They will hear good news, not in soundbite slogans to recite and feel good about themselves.  They’ll hear good news that requires repentance, transformation and baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Good news that means life will never be the same again because God reigns over all.  Those who parch for a word from God will only hear it when they step out of their comfort zones and enter the desert places.  Will you go?
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
How badly do you want to hear God speak and what will you change in your life so you do hear him?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord, I am thirsty for your transcendent word.  Sometimes you intend for us to go into desert places to hear your word.  Guard me from rejecting those dry and boring places today.  Help me willingly go out to you, wherever it may be, so that your word gets implanted in my soul.  For the sake of your glory, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who gives his word to the thirsty.
 
WEEK 2, DAY 4
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people.
READ: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.  The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.  Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire?  But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.  Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  At home in righteousness
Advent is not just about reliving and remembering Jesus’ birth, the day God became man and lived among us.  It’s also looking forward to the 2nd Advent, when Jesus returns to put all things right.  This is what Peter wants us to focus on today.  He urges Christians not to be ignorant about Christ’s return, not to slump into doubt as we wait and wait because, “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.”  He then emphasizes that what matters is how we live now because ‘the day of God’ will be sudden, no prior warning.  We live in expectation of Christ’s sudden return and this hope must inspire holy (righteous) living.  This is important because righteousness is ‘at home’ in the new heaven and earth because only righteousness will survive there.  Therefore, it’s imperative that Christians live righteously now, that is, become ‘at home’ with it.  Righteousness is more than moral living; it’s total obedience to God, an obedience that mirrors back to God his love, compassion, justice, mercy and all that is God.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What changes do you need to make so that you live a life that mirrors God back to God and then to the world?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord of Righteousness, help keep my hope alive in your sure return to restore heaven and earth.  May I live today in a righteousness that will be at home in the new heaven and new earth.  Help me strive to be at peace, without spot or blemish as I await full salvation in you, who patiently works with me.  Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who showed us the way of righteous obedience.
 
WEEK 2, DAY 5
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people.
READ: John 1:6-9
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.  He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.  The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
If you have time, read the first five verses of this chapter.  John’s Gospel begins with a profound theological reflection on the Word.  The Word was with God, the Word was God.  Through him creation came into being.  These verses stand in stark contrast to our reading today—from the Word (who is Jesus) to a man named John.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  God sends the ordinary
A man is sent on an extraordinary mission from God and is simply introduced to us as John.  He’s just an ordinary guy with no credentials.  However, we know his role and mission: a witness to testify to the light.  We know his awesome responsibility: that all might believe through him.  And we know who he is not: the light that was coming into the world, who is described in lofty language in the first 5 verses of this chapter.  This Divine Light of the World was introduced to the world by an ordinary and obscure person named John.  God, it seems, delights in the ordinary and uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary.  During Advent, as we read about the coming of Jesus, it’s easy for us to think we are too ordinary to do anything much for God.  This simple man named John reminds us that God uses ordinary folk to accomplish his will.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
An ordinary man was sent to testify to the light, that is Jesus.  All it takes is obedience.  What extraordinary thing is God sending you to do today?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER  
Lord, you chose an ordinary man, John, to be your messenger, to prepare the way for your coming.  You still choose ordinary women and men, and I’m one of them, willing to testify to you, ‘the true light, which enlightens everyone’.  Help me to live today as your messenger, preparing the way for your coming.  In your name I pray, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who delights in the ordinary.

1ST WEEK of ADVENT: Begins December 3, 2017
Lighting a candle at the beginning of your prayer time is a helpful ritual to consciously acknowledge God’s presence as you prepare to listen to God’s Word.  The lit candle is a symbol of Jesus who is the light of the world.  You may choose to set up an Advent wreath or use a single candle.  This first week of Advent, it is traditional to light the first purple candle.  Purple is used to signify prayer and repentance.
Note:  There are 5 readings for each week, beginning with Sunday.  Please keep scrolling down each day for the next day’s devotions.  I’ve only included 5 days of readings to give you space in case you miss a day.
 
WEEK 1, DAY 1
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
READ Psalm 80:1-7
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!  You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.  Stir up your might, and come to save us!  Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.  O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?  You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.  You make us the scorn of our neighbours; our enemies laugh among themselves.  Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh are all directly related to Joseph, Jacob’s son through Rachel (mentioned in v1).  Benjamin was his younger brother, Ephraim and Manasseh were his sons and became tribes in Israel.
Cherubim are angelic beings that surround God’s throne.
‘Let your face shine’, a common phrase referring to God’s favorable presence with them.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Shine forth and restore
Perhaps we can do no better than begin Advent with the prayer: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.  If, as some suggest, ‘restore’ literally means, ‘make us turn around,’ it commits us to being people who desire to change so that we’re more faithful followers of our God, a God who looks upon us with favor and love.  Advent also begins with an acknowledgement that life isn’t without hard times.  Like the psalmist, we too may feel that God has distanced himself from us.  The psalmist describes the difficult situation without stating what caused it.  God, he complained, was angry with the people’s prayers; fed them with ‘the bread of tears;’ made them the ‘scorn of neighbors.’  We may identify or have our own complaints and earnestly need to pray with the psalmist that God, our Shepherd, ‘shine forth’ today and restore us, that is, show us his favor.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
The psalmist complains to God about the situation of his day.  What makes you complain today?  What name would you choose for God as you bring your complaint to him?  (Notice the different names and titles the psalmist used.)
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Shepherd of your people, shine forth on us that we may experience your favor today.  Give me hope and patience as I continue to wait for your coming to restore your world.  For the sake of your glory and great name, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of the Lord God, our Shepherd and King.

WEEK 1, DAY 2
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
READ: Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence--
as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil—to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence!  When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.  From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.  You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways.  But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.  We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.  We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.  There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.  Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.  Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity for ever.  Now consider, we are all your people.
MEDITATIVE WORDS. The work of your hand
The prophet-poet’s message begins with a demand (not request) that God tear open the heavens and come down in great power.  Then the poet gets doxological as he describes the LORD’s incomparability: “From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you.”  This is a God way beyond human comprehension or invention.  Then the poet seems to blame God for Israel’s sinfulness—“you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed.”  There is an admission of guilt but a seeming reluctance to accept full responsibility, yet the prophet is fully aware the people are in fact responsible.  The poet knows that Israel deserves the punishment of exile in Babylon, and willingly confesses that.  And then comes a decisive, “Yet, O Lord.”  The ‘yet’ gives the assurance that hope is possible.  Despite Israel’s sin, God is both their Father and their Potter; and they are the work of God’s hand.  Thus, the prayer ends with, “Now consider, we are all your people.”  The ‘all’ includes you and me today.  We are his people; we too can demand that the LORD come down with great power and reveal himself to us and the world.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What event/s in your life and the world make you want to cry out to God to tear down the heavens and come down?  Remind yourself that despite this mess, God is still our Father and our Potter, making and remaking us.
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord you are the Potter shaping me into the person I should be.  As I walk through Advent may I become more and more pliable to your molding fingers on my life.  Help me live in such a way that others become aware that I am the work of your hand and may know your name.  For the sake of your glory, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of the Lord, your Potter.

WEEK 1, DAY 3
PREPARE TO LISTEN. Light a candle and pray: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
READ: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  God is faithful
The church in Corinth wasn’t a model church by any means.  It gave Paul grey hair and sleepless nights.  And yet Paul can still say, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus.”  No matter how bad things may get, what never changes is this: God’s grace freely and lavishly bestowed on Christ’s Church.  Not only that, Paul assures this problem church that “God is faithful,” not because they’d gotten it right and were being rewarded with his faithfulness.  No!  God’s faithfulness is rooted in the very character of God; he can’t help but be faithful.  We can do nothing to change that or even deserve it.  In God’s faithfulness, we’ve been “called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Advent is a time to remember that our calling isn’t about doing great things or getting things right.  Our calling is about fellowship, deep and intimate participation, with Jesus Christ; a calling we can live because God is faithful.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
You have been called into fellowship with Jesus.  Fellowship means participation in and with Jesus, with all that Jesus is and does.  What do you need to do today to ensure that you do your part in maintaining this call?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
I give you thanks, O Lord my God, for your unwavering faithfulness towards me, for calling me into fellowship with your Son, Jesus Christ.  I confess my weakness in disciplining myself to maintain my side of that fellowship and fall again onto your grace to strengthen me to keep living out my call.  In the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of God, who is always faithful to you.

WEEK 1, DAY 4
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
READ: Mark 13:24-31
But be alert; I have already told you everything.  ‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.  Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory.  Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.  ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.  Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mark 13 is a lengthy and complex sermon on the coming of the kingdom of God.  The few verses designated for Advent remind us to be alert, stay awake and not be fooled by false messiahs with their false promises.
“The ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (v27) is the assurance that Jesus taught renewal of everything in the universe, not merely one nation or the Church.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  The Christmas mood
“But be alert; I have already told you everything.”  The posture of the follower of Jesus is that of alertness, aware of what’s happening and what is and isn’t of Christ.  It takes practice and discernment.  Don’t be fooled into thinking every catastrophic event is a sign of the end.  These will come and we’re called to be prepared, not surprised by them.  This isn’t exactly the kind of mood (spirit) we want for Christmas, but perhaps it’s the mood we should have during Advent as we wait, reading the signs of such ordinary things as fig trees blooming in season.  Disasters will come, but we’re to keep hope alive.  The Christmas mood isn’t that exuberant feeling of Christmas day with its gifts and glitter.  It’s a spirit of waiting with anticipation of seeing “the Son of Man [Jesus] coming in clouds with great power and glory.”  Since Jesus’ greatest moment of glory was the victory of the cross, our lesson today encourages us to keep the cross in view at all times, even at Christmas.
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
What’s your anticipation this Advent season?  What do you hope for?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Lord Jesus, you came and demonstrated your power and glory and now expect your followers to spread the good news of your Kingdom.  Help me stay alert today, and avoid falling for the lies of the many false ‘messiahs’.  Keep me true to you as I watch and wait through Advent and in all my life.  For the sake of your Kingdom, I pray, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, alert and hopeful.

WEEK 1, DAY 5
PREPARE TO LISTEN.  Light a candle and pray: Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
READ: Mark 13:32-37
But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.  It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.  Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.  And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.
MEDITATIVE WORDS.  Keep awake
The need to ‘be alert’, ‘to keep awake’ continues as an important theme for Advent waiting.  It’s used three times in these few verses.  It’s critical because we don’t know when the time will come, when Jesus will appear.  Again, Jesus resorts to a brief parable to emphasize this point—it’s like a man going on a journey.  We’re the slaves, put in charge of Christ’s work.  We keep waiting and watching, always prepared for our Master, Jesus, to suddenly return.  In the meantime, be careful not to be drawn into the many false teachings that bombard us on social media or the anti-Christ ways dressed up as the right way.  False teachings lull us to sleep, the very thing Jesus warns against, concluding with his repeated refrain, not just for disciples then, but for all disciples: Keep awake!
REFLECTIVE WONDERING
Are you awake or asleep?  How do you know?
RESPOND TO JESUS IN PRAYER 
Jesus, you keep reminding us to keep awake and I keep dozing off.  Forgive me.  Help me use these few weeks of Advent to practice staying awake and alert to your presence and promptings to act or simply to wait.  May your face shine on me today that I may be saved, Amen.
BE SILENT AND STILL: For a few moments, simply be in the presence of Jesus, who desires you stay awake with him.