Welcome! As you set aside time each day for Advent prayer we invite you to use this approach, which works well for individuals and groups of all ages.

Light a candle. Pause to remember the presence of God filling you with Light and Love.

Pray this Opening Prayer:

Radiant Creator, awaken me to your presence.
Jesus, Light of all Lights, kindle love in my heart.
Spirit of Illumination, guide my path today.

Advent Reflection for the Day

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen… Luke 2:20

Like the shepherds, intent on finding the Christ Child, we have been rediscovering how God’s divine love is born in you and me. When we look into the eyes of another person, we sense the deep connection we have. Christ is alive in each of us. Every person showing love is a lamp assuring us: God is here among us.

I wonder what we will do as we move forward into the Twelve Days of Christmas and the New Year? Will we remember that Christ is born in the world every day through our love? Will we be radiant in how we share this news? Will we turn inward toward the light for comfort and guidance when we are discouraged or afraid? We will be a beacon of hope to this world, weary from the pandemic, injustice, natural disasters…

As we approach the end of the Advent portion of our journey, let’s take a peaceful pause to rest in God’s love. Try it this way: Close your eyes, breathe deeply and go deeper within yourself. Slowly move your awareness to different places in your body: Your head, lungs, beating heart, abdomen and limbs. As you notice the heat rise within, realize that your entire being is flooded with God’s light. Slowly bring your awareness back to your mind. Ask God for grace to share this great love as you fully move through your Christmas and into the New Year. Thank God for the gift of your life and those you love and enjoy.

 ___

Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will write a brief statement of how I hope to continue welcoming The Light. I will read it often in the coming months.

Pray this Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Everlasting Light.
Help me to bring your love everywhere I go.
Fill me with Light this Advent
that all my life will reflect you.
Shine through me so that that everyone I meet today
would feel your presence in my spirit.
Let them look and see, not just me, but you,
Light of all Lights, Shining through me. Amen

As you blow out the candle and the flame vanishes, remember you have divine light within you that will never go out. You take the light of Christ with you wherever you are.

Together on the Journey,

Katie Martinez