As I come to write this I am frazzled, angry and baffled at the illogical, selfish behavior of some close to me who with their medical expertise and knowledge should know better and take precautions in the face of the surging pandemic. They are not alone – sadly. Lockdowns, illness, suffering, death, separation, and lack of contact and physical touch are wearing people down mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Holy One, let us hear afresh your words of life: “I AM FOR YOU.”
Lies, partial truths, fudging the issues at best are all swirling around in briefings, media outlets of all kinds, and thoughtlessly spread without a moment’s pause for reflection and discernment. The resultant increase in confusion, fear, distrust, and sometimes total frustration leading to ignoring of basic safety measures, disturb and devalue the essence of Christmas.
Light has come into the darkness and confusion. Love is born. The infant baby is not merely cute but the embodiment of eternal truth, justice, and joy for then, for now, for all time and all creation including each person and all that is created.
Holy One, let us hear afresh your words of life: “I AM FOR YOU.”
As another year dawns, may we take a moment
- to recognize where the light appeared in our life this year (because it did);
- to recognize who was the light and for you (for there was more than one person);
- to acknowledge how you were the light for someone else in need (because you were)
- to recognize where and how you experienced love this year (because you did);
- to recognize who showed you the love (for there was more than one person);
- to acknowledge how you expressed love to someone who felt unloved (because you did).
Holy One, let us live each day your words of life: “I AM FOR YOU.”
This year has been a maelstrom and living on a knife-edge with threats to all areas of life and society as we knew it, regardless of the country we live in, has shaken us to the core. The separation and loss of security in so many areas all at once has removed a lot of what we foolishly thought to be important or even essential, like status, material goods, and illusory social media popularity. We rejoice in the rediscovery of what we so often took for granted like love, family friends, a home, health, enough to eat and drink and be able to pay our bills, and the healing power of nature in all its forms has been a revelation for so many.
Jesus, Word of God, by you all things were made and love displayed say: “I AM FOR YOU.”
Spirit of God, rescue us from despair and give us hope, trusting in your promise of making all things new. And start with me, with us, with our communities, our leaders whether religious, political, business, fiscal, social, educational or health.
We look forward to the possibilities of protection now 3 vaccines are approved for use to combat the pandemic in different countries. We pray for a fair distribution so that all nations, regardless of their economic wealth, can help protect their people. We pray for patience so that we can all battle through this prolonged crisis knowing that we are all in it together or else we will all suffer even more horrors than 2020 has brought. the way the virus is mutating similarly in different continents simultaneously underlines that we are all one body.
Holy One, let us hear afresh your words of new life options: “I AM FOR YOU.”
The continuing saga of disasters flow endlessly: the earthquake in Croatia, mudslides in Norway and Japan devastating communities; floods, gales and snow in the UK, disappearances in Turkey, Belarus, Russia, droughts, starvation, oppression in Yemen, Syria, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya and so many parts of your world – our hearts ache with all those suffering. Be close to those in fear today, let them know they are not alone as you are with them. When it is too much to bear, let them hear you whisper, “Peace be still. I am with you closer than your next breath.” Give them the courage to keep on going on, trusting in your ever faithful love and mercy.
Strengthen all who work for peace where they are – often at the risk of their own lives.
You are the way. Help us to walk You.
You are Truth. Help us speak You.
You are Life. Help us breath you.
You are Love. Enfold and infill us to share you.
Each day. Each moment. Today and whatever this coming year brings.
We are Yours and you still say: “I AM FOR YOU.”
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