O satisfy us in the morning with thy loving kindness
That we may rejoice and be glad in all our days.
Make us glad according to the days wherein we have been afflicted
And the years we have seen evil. ~~~ (a version of Psalm 93)

I read this verse daily. I learned this ritual at a friend’s memorial service and remember his practicing to be a more spiritual person. During Advent these words remind me to be hopeful and to be in service, bringing my gifts to share to offer light and hope, knowing that all of us together can change the world.

This can be a time of reflection and contemplation concerning my beliefs about service and whether or not I follow them in my daily life.

My Swedish Dala horse reminds me of the Swedish tradition of Santa Lucia Day; the bringing light to the world and remembering the Saint who shared her beliefs and her service to the Swedish people, helping to bring them food in a time of need. I was one of the girls who performed this ritual at the Swedish Lodge. We wore white dresses, and the older girl wore a crown of greenery and lighted candles. We sang a Swedish song about Santa Lucia and served cookies to the people.

Prayer for Advent Joy (adapted from Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): In this season, O God, help me to refill the oil in my inner lamp by seeking to trust more deeply in you. Amen.

Diane C., United Methodist Church, Santa Cruz

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~~~ Matthew 5: 14-16

This has been a challenging year. We are trying to deal with tangible problems like wildfires, evacuation, displacement and rebuilding. We are trying to deal with political unrest, and a country that is divided in many ways. And we are dealing with the virus–an invisible and ever-present threat.

As followers of Christ, we are the light of the world. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone upon them; the Magi followed the light of the star above Bethlehem all those years ago, leading them to the baby Jesus.

Jesus no longer walks on this earth. But he has called on us to be the light of the world. As Christians, we are to have an internal light that shines before others, to give glory to God. As we address contemporary challenges, let us be intentional about being the place where others find kindness, patience, acceptance, mercy, a helping hand, and a place of refuge. We can be the light in a world filled with darkness.

Prayer for Advent Joy (adapted from Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.): Gracious God, may I be inspired to ask, and follow, your guidance today! Amen.

Gina J., Boulder Creek United Methodist Church

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for”. — Jeremiah 29:11

This is my family in 2018, yes, my entire immediate family. Could have taken the exact same picture in 2019. But this Christmas we have grown, in July my first Grandchild was born, Isabella. Then last week my son got engaged to a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful daughter, Jasmine and Olivia. So, I have gained a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

If you had told the me in the picture (center back row) that within the next two years all of this love would be added to our small little family I wouldn’t have believed you. But that has been my journey with God. Things seem to be falling apart, the falling apart where all you can do is fall to your knees to pray, sometimes the only prayer you can get out is “please …”. Then when things look to be the bleakest a path out opens, or really, a step opens up. When I look back at these times, I can see God’s hand at work, God has not abandoned me and with grandchildren, well that is the future I had hoped for. My prayers today are also simple, ‘thank you, God, thank you.”

Prayer for Advent Peace (Joyce Rupp, O.S.M., from A Heart Prayer): O God, we seek you with all our heart. The longing for you is planted deep within our hearts. Hear our cry for you. Help us to welcome you in all of life. Amen.

Trish C., Morgan Hill United Methodist Church