Story by Zac Harmon-McLaughlin, Community of Christ Seminary dean

[God’s] mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before [God].

Based on the Advent Devotion for Families and Households available at https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/26072/uploaded/h/0e18630581_1729692500_hope-is-near-advent-2024-23102024.pdf 

Open: Light a candle or ring a chime.

Ask: Take a few minutes and ask yourself, “When did I feel hope today or yesterday?”

Listen:
Some of the most beautiful things
I have seen were
in the darkness.

The first time I truly saw the Milky Way
was in a mountain basin
in the dead of night.

I first kissed my wife
in a field on a blanket
under a dark and starry sky.

I walked a beach in Nicaragua
and it seemed
I walked on stars.

I peeked over Grand Canyon’s edge
just as the sun was
disappearing from sight.

I watched a fire
take its final breath as the
last ember shed its glow.

Had lights been on
I would not have seen
a shooting star emblazon the sky.

Darkness is not evil or mischievous.
Darkness is a reflection of the sacred.
It is as mysterious as God,
as divine and beautiful.

I cannot tell you what makes darkness
such a blessing
and so expressive of God.

Perhaps it is the waiting,
perhaps the wondering.
Perhaps it is the mystery,
perhaps the unknowing.

Breathe

The season of Advent reminds us that even as we wait for the birth of Christ in our lives and world, God is always with us. Right here, right now– wherever we are and with the ones we love. Take a deep breath and breathe in the presence of God.

Respond

How can you bring hope to others today?

Gratitude Prayer

Start a prayer by saying, “God, today I am grateful for…”

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.