Advent Daybook, 14: Fulfillment
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
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Look: Reconciliation Stained Glass Window in St. John’s Church, Tralee, Ireland, Thomas Denny
![The theme [of the window] is "Reconciliation", and the central figure is the return of the prodigal son. The right panel is of Jesus reading from the Book of Isaiah and the left is of John the Baptist, patron saint of the church. (source)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5700118059827e84008212d2/1544157775729-BPWXVTUOP7BWMKYJ5CVA/image-asset.jpeg)
The theme [of the window] is "Reconciliation", and the central figure is the return of the prodigal son. The right panel is of Jesus reading from the Book of Isaiah and the left is of John the Baptist, patron saint of the church. (source)
Jesus Reading from Isaiah ... "he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised".
Listen: “The Trumpet Child” from The Trumpet Child, Over the Rhine (lyrics)
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Listen to my entire playlist on Spotify: Advent Carols & Hymns 2018. Add it to your account by clicking ‘Follow.’
“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
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”For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”
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”As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
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”‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’
... ‘For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.’”
Sunday Scripture readings are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C). Daily Scripture readings are taken from the Book of Common Prayer (Year 1).
Pray:
“Prayer and poetry are the closest of kin. In poetry we say it; in prayer we become what we say.” - Eugene Peterson
On Saturdays through Advent, we’ll practice speaking the realities and mysteries of our world in the words of poets. Read the poem below slowly and out loud, if possible. Don’t worry about getting every nuance; notice the image or phrase that most captures your attention and allow those words to form into prayerful thoughts.
“‘Come,’ Thou dost say to Angels,
To blessed Spirits, ‘Come’:
‘Come,’ to the lambs of Thine own flock,
Thy little ones, ‘Come home.’
‘Come,’ from the many-mansioned house
The gracious word is sent;
‘Come,’ from the ivory palaces
Unto the Penitent.
O Lord, restore us deaf and blind,
Unclose our lips though dumb:
Then say to us, ‘I will come with speed,’
And we will answer, ‘Come.’”
Do:
Simmer
Fill your house with natural fragrance today.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thess. 3:16)
There’s something peaceful and satisfying about enjoying the aroma of fragrance at its source. If you’re not baking or cooking something aromatic today, try simmering fruits and spices on the stovetop. Here's my favorite DIY potpourri for Advent: Holiday Stove Top Potpourri Mix
(See all Advent Daybook posts from 2017 here.)