Advent Daybook, 4: The eternal covenant of peace
My Advent daybook for these 24 days of waiting. Join me, won't you? (see previous Advent daybook 2016 posts here)
STanding rock reservation, sd (source)
Jesus Ahatonnia (The Huron Carol) by Bruce Cockburn (English lyrics here)
“O children of the forest free,
O sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
”Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.””
all readings for today: Psalm 124; Isaiah 54:1-10; Matthew 24:23-35
“‘This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
prayer for the day:
“Lord God, we come before you and ask you to turn our hearts and minds to you alone, to you who have power over the whole world and who can do everything in our hearts according to your will. Let there be light in our time. Hear and answer the many prayers that have already come to you, rising for centuries before your throne, prayers for your kingdom and for your will on earth. This earth has become the prey of evil. We are poor and needy, and you alone can help us. Help us, O Lord, our God and Father. After this misery let your day come, your great day over all the world and over all peoples.
We agree with the Psalm writer: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Let it be so. Amen.”
Listen to Handel's Messiah. As you listen, pray for all of those seeking justice in our world right now. Include yourself.
Here's some helpful information as you pray for those at Standing Rock Reservation, SD: Why Christians Should Stand With the Standing Rock Sioux
And, from our friend Hilary, a suggestion to give toward ministry in Standing Rock:
If you would like to give to ongoing good work in Standing Rock, the Good Heart Community Center, run by the mother of my friend and ministry colleague Bobby GreyEagle, provides affordable clothing and meeting spaces for recovery meetings, youth meetings, a library, and more. It really needs some repair (no heat in some places, structural issues, mold, etc.) paypal.me/bobbygreyeaglemin As Bobby said, "Good Heart was here before the protests, and it will be here after they're over."
(see all Advent daybook posts from 2015 here)