Advent Art Prayer 27
Holy God,
We look for signs.
We ask for signs.
Is this what you want us to do? Is this right? Is this wrong?
Should I?
If only life’s answers were as simple as a heavenly host appearing.
If only we could have signs like the shepherds.
Lord, it isn’t that simple. Feeling like it is that simple can make us resent you or use you.
But you are more than that.
You are the one who came into this world to not simply be a sign, but a savior.
Our savior. Our King. Our Lord.
When we reduce you to a sign, remind us of your holy presence.
When we reduce you to easy answers, remind us that your love is the simplest part of life. It is pure and real and forever.
Amen
Luke 2:12-15
12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[a] praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[b]
15 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.”
Practice Deeper Listening
Inhale:
You are more
Exhale:
than a sign
Inhale:
You came here
Exhale:
to love us
For Deeper Listening
What sign have you been waiting for…what if you could move forward without waiting? What would you do?
Establish your Advent Practice.
Step 1: Set up a space in your home for your Advent readings. Make it comfortable. Add a candle. Perhaps next to your tree or at a table with a little festive placemat.
Step 2: Determine two times of the day when you might practice them so that if you miss the first one, you can lean into the second and not feel guilty.
Step 3: Each time you sit down to practice your Advent devotion, make a warm cup of something and begin with a couple of moments of silence and deep breathing. Close your eyes and breath in deeply the love of God for you. Ask the Spirit to join you. Then begin your readings.
Step 4: Have a little prayer journal nearby where you can list the things that stick with you or stand out to you during your devotion.
Step 5: Close your time with a couple of moments of silent deep breathing, thanking God for the love and grace that are freely given to you that claims you as God’s own.