First Friday in Advent

Advent Reading

Isaiah 29: 17-24; Matthew 9: 27-31

I walk through far too many of my days "blind" to the presence of God.  Going about my daily tasks, checking off my list, getting to the next thing that has to be accomplished.  

Where is the Life we have lost in living?

-T. S. Eliot

God offers life. Real life.  

The incarnation is God reaching out across the chasm caused by our sin and starting the relationship all over again. (D. Benner, Surrender to Love)

Incarnation, in-flesh-ment, God in human form in Jesus entering our history: this is what started Christmas. This is what keep Christmas going. (Eugene Peterson)

When I take the time to think on what Jesus actually did for us, for me I can hardly take it all in.

I want to be present for life's moments, even the mundane everyday stuff.

I believe that is possible.  I am not saying that once you "believe" everything will be rosy. In fact, in my experience things can get harder.  When our eyes are opened we see things in our hearts we did not see before. And that can be oh so messy and painful.  But oh to be fully alive.....

I want my eyes wide open to see God in the moments that make up my life.

Open, we pray you, heavenly Father, our eyes to see and our ears to hear your Word, who is Jesus Christ, true God and true man.  As you sent your Spirit upon Mary, so send your Spirit upon us.  Embrace us and hold us close within the Trinity of your love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Thus may we, according to your gift of faith, trust the fulfillment of all your promises.

Amen

Let it be.

(prayer by Richard John Neuhaus, God With Us)