DAY 5: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

“His authority shall grow continually and there shall be endless peace…He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness…the zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.”  Isaiah 9:7

PONDER: Immediately following the prophecy of a “child born for us”, these words from Isaiah 9:7 open the door to further imagine the impact of Emmanuel, God with Us, in our world. As you read, these words, notice if certain words hold more weight than others for your own life. Hold those words for a moment as a prayer.

RESPOND: Today, imagine the word you hold as a tiny seed sending down roots to anchor and stabilize your life. Watch the roots spread within the rich soil of your heart, nurtured by streams of “living water” and the warmth of Divine light until the seed sprouts and emerges from the darkness. This word grows continually, ultimately reaching full maturity and bearing fruit. As the plant grows, the Divine love of God grows within as well.

How is your life yielding fruit in your own world, starting with your inner life and expanding to your home, workplace, community, and beyond? If you are in a season where growth seems impossible, or grief overwhelms you, simply focus on your desire to receive the love of God. Offer a prayer to express your need, frustration, challenge or desire for growth.  What is the grace or gift of God that you most need for a life yielded to endless peace?

A BLESSING: May your yielded, nurtured soul experience the zealous, passionate, unending love of God resting peacefully within your inner being today. Amen.