Emmanuel
Forget the whispering crowd, fears and headlines swirling round
I wrote this Advent Meditation in 2018 for the Episcopal Diocese of Newark based on the Daily Office Readings for the Friday after the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Year 1 (which are the readings again today): Psalm 31, Isaiah 7:10-25, 2 Thess 2:13-3:5, Luke 22:14-30.
Emmanuel
Stand steadfast— your feet in an open place. Forget the whispering crowd, fears and headlines swirling round. Take refuge in God's word. See the woman with child— that's Christ coming to be with us. See the cows, sheep, and bees who make milk and honey— that's Christ desiring to eat with us. Give thanks, rejoice, be glad. Direct your heart towards love— refuse evil, choose good, serve all. Stand firm and remember God's kingdom comes.
This year, I’m reading A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time by Thomas Long and Donyelle McCray. Other years, I’ve read Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas by Jan Richardson; Haphazard by Starlight: A Poem a Day from Advent to Epiphany by Janet Morley; and Waiting on the Word: A poem a day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Malcolm Guite.
Q: What Advent mediations/devotions are you reading or do you recommend? Email your reply or comment on the Substack app.