Advent reflection day 16

Opening Prayer

Lord of light and the darkness,
May your Spirit guide our preparations for Christmas.
Help us to seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
In our anxiety may we look forward to your coming among us and be blessed by the joy of your presence.
When we feel as if we are walking in darkness may we see your light as we say,
“Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Psalm 85 8,10,11,13

Refrain: Show us your mercy, O Lord.

I will listen to what the Lord God will say, for he shall speak peace to his people and to the faithful, that they turn not again to folly.
Mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other;
Truth shall spring up from the earth and righteousness look down from heaven.
Righteousness shall go before him and direct his steps in the way.

Last week we had verses from this Psalm and I wrote:
‘Righteousness and peace have kissed each other’. What a beautiful image to hold onto, the intimate embrace that brings hope and goodness. Did you hold onto that image?

The Psalmist is looking for a change of fortunes for his community. The righteousness of God is freely given and in following this path peace can be found, we must no let our folly get in the way. The peace the Psalmist dreams of with start with people, you and I, in our actions, our words and in our hearts. Peace must start here, with you and with me.

Let us listen, sing or say the words of the Prayer of St Francis sung by Friar Alessandro:

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in You
Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy
Oh Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of Your peace
It is pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Most holy God,
when we come to you fearing that truth condemns us,
show us that truth is one with love
in your Word made flesh, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
(Prayer Shared from ‘Reflection on the Psalms’ app. Material subject to copyright)

May God the Son, coming among us in power,
reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.

Rev Derek Akker