Advent Daybook, 23: The barren has borne
My Advent daybook for these 24 days of waiting. Join me, won't you? (see previous Advent daybook 2016 posts here)
mother and child looking at the virgin and child by reginald bottomley (source)
Holy Is Your Name by The Many (lyrics here)
all readings for this day: 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Genesis 17:15-22; Galatians 4:8-20
“And Hannah prayed and said,
’My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. ‘There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. ‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
prayer for today:
“O God of Hannah, Sarah and Hagar, through all such faithful ones you proclaim the unfolding of future joy and renewed life. Strengthen our hearts to believe your advent promise that one day we will walk in the holy way of Christ, where sorrow and sighing will be no more and the journey of God’s people will be joy. Amen.”
Make mulled hot cider today. Here's our favorite recipe: Mulled Cranberry Cider
(see all Advent daybook posts from 2015 here)