Served: Advent Daybook, 13
Take a few deep breaths, settle your body, mind, and heart into a quiet space and let’s begin with prayer.
Opening prayer: Heavenly Father, make me more like Jesus and more like the true self you’ve created as I savor your loving presence today. Please guide my thoughts and impressions by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Look: Are You Being Served?, Stephen Towns - Source
Artist’s Statement: "A consistent theme that appeared in all of the literature that I read for this exhibition was the influence of Christianity on American culture, both positive and negative. I painted a triptych exploring the concept of a savior and salvation. Are saviors portrayed in one's own image? Has one been served their salvation? What would that look like?"
Listen: Pretty Home, The Rose Ensemble Lyrics | Spotify | YouTube
History of the song: "Come Pretty Love" was received by Patsy Williamson, an ex-slave whose freedom was purchased by the Pleasant Hill Shaker community in the early 1800s. Rousing and energetic,“Come Pretty Love” was most likely a dance song. It is just one of many 19th-century Shaker songs and hymns celebrating the Shaker's spiritual Mother, Ann Lee.
Read: Psalm 31, 35; Isaiah 7:10-25; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30
Excerpts:
"Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up to help me! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”
*
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted."
*
“When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves, for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather, the greatest among you must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
- Psalm 35:1-3; Isaiah 7:14-16; Luke 22:14-27
Pray: Psalm 22:22
“I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation, I will praise you.”
Lord our God, Almighty Father in heaven, we stand before you as your children, whom you want to protect through the need of our time, through all sin and death. We praise you for giving us so much peace in an age full of trouble, and for granting us the assurance of your help. Even when we suffer, we do not want to remain in the darkness of suffering but want to rise up to praise and glorify you. For your kingdom is coming; it is already at hand. Your kingdom comforts and helps us and points the way for the whole world, that your will may be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.
— Taken from Evening Prayers For Every Day of the Year by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt
Do: Is there someone you want to bless this weekend? Bake something, pick up a few extra groceries, a bouquet of flowers, a loved possession you choose to give away to someone else (e.g., favorite books), or make something.
*Sunday Scripture readings are taken from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Daily Scripture readings are taken from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and include both Morning and Evening Psalms (Year 1).