Wednesday, December 17

Wednesday, December 17
Third Week of Advent

O come, divine Messiah; the world in silence waits the day when hope shall sing its triumph and sadness flee away.

What does it sound like for hope to “sing its triumph”? How is the world
waiting in silence? And what does it mean that both images come alive for
us in music that is filling our ears and hearts?

Our experience of the world is not very quiet. Even when we strip away the noises we layer over our lives, we are surrounded by constant sounds vying for our attention. But the kind of silence we’re singing about is more like stillness. There is a space in our center that is quiet stillness if we can peel back the layers of distraction to make room for it. Advent is a good time to practice stepping into that space, even when our world is noisy, because that is where we meet our divine Messiah.

Prayer for Morning
Divine Messiah, you came to earth to dispel the night with the dawn of
grace. Help me empty myself to make room for you, and let your light
and peace sing their triumph in my heart. Jesus, I wait for you in stillness.

Ponder Today
In the midst of all this day will bring, when can I step into stillness?

Prayer for Evening
Divine Messiah, you are the fulfillment of my longing, but I too easily fill
this desire with lesser goods. Help me to set aside the things that crowd
out your silent, waiting presence, for you long for me too. Jesus, show me
your face.