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

I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations… to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7

Not everyone experiences their life before knowing Christ as a “prison” or living in deep darkness; but, many people do. Over the years I’ve heard countless stories of people who have had a shining moment when God’s Love/Light flooded their heart. The coming of Christ into the darkness of a person’s life is the greatest of life’s gifts.

There are many ways to be imprisoned or sit in darkness. Some are in bondage to a religious belief. For many, it is emotional darkness related to depression, loneliness, complicated grief, oppressive family or work circumstances or poverty. Some live in nation-states or cultures that are inherently dark and dangerous.

It may sound simplistic, but we can share the gift of light, even with those in deep darkness. Write a message to someone who is disconnected from the family; send support to a political prisoner; visit an aging neighbor; invite a discouraged person to tea, and listen to their story; speak a kind word to a grumpy partner or complaining child; invite people to a Candlelight Christmas Service, where the music and the message will fill their heart with Christmas hope. Give someone the opportunity to light candles with us at Crossroads and experience the Light on December 23 or 24.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will decide how to give the gift of light this Christmas and begin doing it right now.

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