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

…Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Matthew 1:16

Advent devotions often include the genealogy of Jesus. Like you, Jesus has an interesting family tree. Some are royalty, but many are regular folks like the shepherd Abraham, the father of the whole line.

Question: Did any of Jesus’s ancestors understand their importance in history? I doubt it. Yet each one played their part in bringing his life into existence. And every life led to the next. In that sense, they are of equal importance. And this heritage was not about wealth building or passing on genes. It was more about the faith of people whose daily existence included struggling with character flaws, wounds and brutal events. Certainly these people are now amazed to find they held the seed of salvation within them.

We might also feel insignificant. Our flaws seem to disqualify us from carrying the torch of faith to subsequent generations. But in spite of these facts, the TRUTH is that each of us is a vital carrier of God’s light and goodness. Each person is meant to be a key revelation of Christ’s Love.

I would never have become a spiritual guide had it not been for my third grade babysitter. She asked me if I wanted to help lead music with a little group at her church’s vacation Bible school. Her question changed my life, and she became one of my spiritual ancestors.

___

Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will offer thanks for my ability to be a spiritual ancestor of faith for others.

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