Epiphany

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea

In the days of Herod, the king,

Behold there came wise men from the east..."

The Bible does not count the wise men,

But we do.

Why?

Are we so determine to quantify the world

That we ignore quality?

We look to wealth 
To define standing in our community. 
God looks to how we treat
The least among us.

The wise men brought three gifts:

Gold for virtue and kingship
 Frankincense for prayer and priestship. 
Myrrh for suffering and death.

Christmas is over,

But this is the day to offer gifts to Jesus.

What can we offer God, 
The author of Creation? 
What he most wants: 
Love,

Faith,

 Obedience. 
Our prayer this day must be:

Lord, make me a servant in your image,

Today, tomorrow and forever.

Advent 2012

Photo by nz willowherb

Advent has arrived
With blustery winds
And driving rain.

Cold pierces the body

And scenes of avarice pierce the soul.
Winter,

The season of
Our savior's birth
And our celebration.
December 25 will come.
That day
Nine months since his conception, 
The same day and month
On which he died.
Now we wait in anticipation,
As the world waited long ago,
 Bethlehem flickers in the distance. 
Come,
Prepare the way for the Lamb of God.

The Christmas Lamb

Christmas Eve has arrived
With blustery winds
And cold that bores to the bone.
Not the season of
Our savior's birth
But the time of our celebration.
Shepherds were in the hills
With their flocks;
The night breezes were warm
When Jesus was born.
Spring,

The time for new life.

The time for lambs

To gambol in the grass.

Christ's time of birth,
Christ's time of death.
Better to celebrate with joy
And anticipation

In winter's chill,
Than obscure the Easter message.
Shepherds.
Flocks.
Lambs.
The Lamb of God is come.

Photo by nz willowherb

A Prayer for Advent

Christmas Babe who comes to a manger,

How great is your gift to us:

Everlasting Life.

Glory to you!

Your kingdom endures forever.

Let us seek to become more like you

As we follow your example on Earth

And in Heaven.

As we light the Advent candles

Let us be filled with your Love.

Strengthen our faith

So that we may be an example to others

And lead no one astray.

The world beckons with selfishness and avarice.

Help us respond with compassion and generosity.

Nothing is ours.

All is yours.

A Babe born 
Long ago
And
Far Away

Became a man

Who taught us all
How to live

Forever.

Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video