Time to Receive (Monday, Fourth Week of Advent)

December 18, 2021, By: Jimmy Scruggs

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

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

The gospel writer, John, repeatedly describes God as light that inhabits human souls. What if we truly knew this LIFE? What if we were more aware of our experience of divine light? What if we were masters at receiving and embodying the light? I imagine our experience our Twelve Days of Christmas would be extraordinary.

When we opened our eyes each morning, we would stir with JOY. As we looked out the window or ventured outside we would sense wonder. When sadness broke in sometime during the day, we would know God’s comfort. When challenges arose, we would seek divine guidance. With each person we met, we would radiate love and acceptance. When evening came, we would feel satisfied, knowing we are enough. As our head met the pillow, we would gratefully rest in Christ’s peace.

Christmas is coming. It’s the TIME to celebrate God’s presence. Each year you are invited into deeper revelation and reception of God’s great gift of love, given unconditionally through Christ’s presence. You are invited to rise up and receive this gift. God will always be light and love. This season is a time to open wide our hearts for more of the gift of God’s light.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will remember to end my day with gratitude for the love of God alive in me.

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