By Katie Harmon-McLaughlin, Director of Formation Ministries
And there came a voice to them, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying, "Peace, peace be to you because of your faith in my well beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.”
[Excerpted from “When We Gather,” Advent and Christmas 2025 Resource]
This is the time for realizing that this deep hope is for something real.
Impossible say the voices around us firmly fixed in cynicism, despair.
Impossible says the evening news with its montage of tragedy.
Impossible say the politicians inciting suspicion, fear.
Impossible says the hurting heart, daring to dream no more.
Impossible says the “rational” mind trading wonder for logic.
Impossible say the statistics, the violence, the hatred and planetary desecration, the hungry bodies and broken lives and yet…
A bright star emerges in our longest, darkest night
And those wisest among us choose to chase it.
What they hear it saying through the shining
is worth the vision they journey to find.
POSSIBLE it says of equality, justice, kindness, forgiveness, redemption.
POSSIBLE it says of an end to poverty, a nonviolent way, radical compassion, peace on earth, the kingdom of God.
POSSIBLE it says of a table of welcome with a feast spread wide for all people to come and be nourished, reconciled, healed, blessed.
POSSIBLE it says of our deepest need, the deepest dream of the Holy birthed in us, through us, with us, for us.
This is the time for realizing that this deep hope is for something real.
Prayer Phrase
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy” (Luke 2:10).
Kindling the Light
Choose a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably. Place a candle or small light in front of you. Take a few slow breaths, letting the noise of the day settle. Light the candle. As you strike the match or switch on the light, say softly:
“I make room for joy to grow within me.
I make room for the light that connects me to others.
I make room for the Spirit of Christ.”
Pause for a few breaths, letting the glow of the light fill your awareness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.