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

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4

In our Christian history, John the Baptist (cousin to Jesus) prepared the way for the life and ministry of Jesus, the Messiah. John taught in such a way that people opened their minds and hearts for the message of Jesus when he arrived.

This Second Sunday of Advent is a good time to ask ourselves: Who are our messengers? How do they prepare the way for us to welcome Christ’s message at different moments in life? Are we open and receptive to these surprising challengers and disrupters of the status quo? Advent is the season to exercise more courage in receiving the Light however it may present itself.

If you’re like me, my messengers are all over the place! Usually they are humble people who have no idea they are showing me God’s truth. They are loving parents and courageous health care workers. They are patient educators and dedicated grocery store employees. They are close friends and family. All these messengers have helped me to be bigger-hearted and less selfish.

But some of my messengers challenge me uncomfortably. Sometimes I don’t want to see the truth they are showing me. These are the messengers who remind me when I’m forsaking my values, or misusing my power, or acting entitled, or holding a grudge or being closed minded. Ouch!

Each day of this Advent journey, we’re taking a moment to reflect on one element of God’s goodness; and today’s focus is to honor our messengers of Light.

 ___

Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will think about my messengers of light and pray a prayer of gratitude for one of them.

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