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 will turn darkness into light before them and make crooked ways straight. Isaiah 42:16

Highway 14 from Walden, Colorado to Fort Collins is one, long and winding road. When the road is empty, I like to go fast. What keeps me in check are the curves. The images on the road signs reminded me to take it easy; I can’t see what is ahead.

When we peer into the first century world of Mary and Joseph, we see how hidden the road was for them. They had God’s promise of better days, but that’s it. Mary and Joseph walked a road of faith, trusting that the crooked path would lead them safely to somewhere good. They proceeded on faith.

We also walk through situations that are long and unclear. No one is given a clear view of the future. The poets and mystics warn us that if we look ahead and see a clear path, it’s probably not our path.

Life beckons us to walk out the mystery of these ups and downs and twists and turns, allowing God to guide us. The presence of Christ in our lives helps us accept the crooked road of life and walk on, knowing God is with us on this spiritual journey. From time to time, God graces us with hindsight and foresight or sets our feet on a easier stretch of road. No matter the path you are walking today, trust God as Mary and Joseph trusted.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will let go of my desire to see far ahead on my crooked path of 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