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

 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Safety and security is a big topic in American culture and politics. “Law and order” is a good most people believe must be legislated and driven by careful policies. When people feel unsafe, they tend to take action: Most of the racial violence done today and over time has to do with one group feeling threatened by another group. People will go to great lengths to make sure their children attend a “safe” school. I could go on and on with examples. It seems that “safety and security” is a human need that we will seek to meet, by hook or by crook.

In the Advent passages, God’s refuge and and comforting shelter stand out as important themes. The message promises that light will fill darkness and those living in fear and distress will soon know peace. There will be a new era in which God will shelter people in God’s mercy and compassion.

These Advent themes deepen our awareness of the ultimate safety we have in Christ. Our Advent scriptures serve to remind us that Jesus became Immanuel (God with us), and this reality assures us of the constancy of God’s love in every “unsafe” arena in life. Christ’s divine presence in you is a “light and salvation” that will comfort you and keep you psychologically safe.

When we know psychological safety, we are thus protected from many types of everyday threats. I don’t mean to suggest that this inner safety is all we need when dealing with domestic abuse or racial violence. But I do believe it is at the center of our compulsion to seek safety. Without it, we will feel hopelessly and falsely vulnerable. Living with a false sense of danger is a very dangerous way to live. In such a state, we are attracted to all manner of self-protection– spiritual as well as physical.

In the gospels, God becomes present in the words and actions of Jesus. People who draw near to him experience physical healing, growing faith and spiritual well-being. No matter how at-risk they are or how many mistakes they have made, Jesus welcomes all into his circle of safety. His preaching and healing are based in mercy and demonstrate that the will of God is rooted in mercy toward all. When we know we’re grounded in mercy, we feel much better!

As we close this first week of Advent, know that you are held in the embrace of this trustworthy God. Welcome God’s light-filled presence of goodness and compassion. Lean into Jesus and welcome the love being offered to you.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will seek the consoling embrace of Christ in the sore spots of my life.

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