DAY 6: Ponder the Mystery: A Contemplative Advent Journey

“…and you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge and salvation to his people ... By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”   Luke 1:76-79

PONDER: Set in the middle of the story of Jesus’ birth, another story of hope emerges and interrupts with the birth of another son who would come to be known as John the Baptist. He precedes the Christ as one who prepares the way for others to receive this good news of Christ’s coming. John’s father spoke the beautiful and prophetic words in the verse above about his son and the impact of preparing the way of the Lord.

RESPOND: Just as the Christmas story was interrupted with the story of John the Baptist’s birth, consider the reality of how your days are often interrupted by other unexpected storylines that you weren’t prepared for. How have you reacted to those interruptions? Consider those realities as a new thread woven into the fabric of your life.

Can you loosen your emotional grip on your own plans and open your hands to receive all that God is giving to you for this day? Can you image God with you in the midst of these new strands of life weaving themselves into your life? Now imagine the “dawn from on high breaking upon you to give light” to your situation, wisdom to your understanding. Listen for the Spirit to prompt you toward the way of peace. Take time to record your meditation and response, offering it all as prayer.

A BLESSING: May the coming light of Divine hope bless you with an enlightened heart, gladly welcoming all that falls within your path today. May the brightness nurture new life and guide you in knowledge that leads to wisdom and carries you in the way of peace. Amen.