Sunday, December 21

Sunday, December 21
Fourth Week of Advent
Love

Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light, O Christ, Redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call.

In this last week of Advent, in the final days before our Christmas feast, we take on the disposition of expectant stillness. In today’s gospel reading, we join Mary as she visits her cousin Elizabeth—both of them aware of a great mystery unfolding in their bodies, one that will change the course of history but remains hidden.

This ancient hymn we pray with today and tomorrow captures a paradox we embrace every Advent: God is presented as Creator of the stars of night, which are grand, vast, distant, and cold; at the same time, God came to us not as a powerful king but in that tender moment when parents hold their infant for the first time. The fact that both of these images of God are true pulls us into wonder and humility.

Prayer for Morning
Almighty God, you are our creator and the one who fashioned the churning galaxies. Despite your power and majesty, help me to believe that you are close to me. Come near to me and increase my capacity to perceive you present and growing within me. Creator, make me new.

Ponder Today
When will I be able to practice wonder and humility today?

Prayer for Evening
Almighty God, you are a mystery unfolding in each of our lives. Help me to remember that each act of love—even the seemingly insignificant—is a participation in your life. Creator, help me see your nearness.