Advent Daybook 2020 (Year B/1)
Advent Daybook 2019 (Year A/2)
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Advent Daybook 2018 (Year C/1)
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Nativity, unknown
Listen: “The Blessings of Mary” from The Sounding Joy, Elizabeth Mitchell & Friends
Read: Isaiah 62:6-12, Psalm 97, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:1-7, 8-20
Pray: ” O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Advent)
Do: Listen to the live radio broadcast of King’s College Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols this morning.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Annunciation, 1610, El Greco
Listen: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” from Medieval Christmas, Kemper Crabb
Read: Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20b-23, Luke 1:46-55
Pray: “Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
Do: Bless someone you know who’s had a difficult year with a secret gift.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Jesus Rides A White Horse, James B. Janknegt (source)
Listen: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” from Nine Lessons & Carols, The Choir of King’s College (Stephen Cleobury)
Read: Jeremiah 10:6-7, Haggai 2:6-9, Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:5, Ephesians 2:17-22, Matthew 21:33-42
Pray: O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind; O bid our sad divisions cease, and be for us our Prince of Peace.”
Do: Spend at least 15 minutes sitting in silence. Don’t try to make anything happen during the time. Just be.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Grace Vessel — With Healing in His Wings, Grace Carol Bomer (source)
Listen: “There’s A Light” from Light of the Stable, Emmylou Harris
Pray: “O come, O Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by your drawing nigh; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight.”
Do: Turn off electric lights and technology for the evening.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Religion In Prison, 2002-03, Serge Levy (source)
Listen: “O Holy Night / Hallelujah” from Oh For Joy, David Crowder Band
Read: Isaiah 22:22-23, 9:2-7, Revelation 3:7, 11-12, Matthew 16:13-19
Pray: “O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.”
Do: Get involved with Equal Justice Initiative (or a similar organization).
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: O Root, Ansgar Holmberg of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (source)
Listen: “Isaiah 11” from Waiting Songs, Rain for Roots
Pray: “O come, O Rod of Jesse free, Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o'er the grave.”
Do: Eliminate an unnecessary daily habit in order to offer more room for God to fill today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Simeon with Infant Jesus, Petr Brandl (source)
Listen: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” from Silent Night, Red Mountain Church
Read: Psalm 119:55, Isaiah 11:3b-5, 33:21-22, Exodus 19:9, 16-19, 20:1-6, Mathew 2:5-6
Pray: “O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times once gave the law, in cloud and majesty and awe.”
Do: Read the 10 Commandments again slowly. Then talk to a trusted friend about any ways you’ve sinned against God and others. Receive the forgiveness of our Savior Jesus.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: A Cosmic Shroud, Hubble Space Telescope image (source)
Listen: “Creator of the Stars of Night”, Gregorian Chant for Advent & Christmas, Gregorian Chant Schola of Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Read: Proverbs 8:1,22-36, Isaiah 11:2-3a, I Corinthians 1:26-31, John 1:1-5
Pray: “O come, O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.”
Do: Spend 5-15 minutes in complete silence, listening to God.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth, the Young John the Baptist and Two Angels, Raphael
Listen: “I Am Sure I Shall See the Goodness of the Lord” from Christe Lux Mundi, Taizé
Read: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
Pray: “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for the Third Sunday in Advent)
Do: For the next 7 days of Advent, we’ll be joining in with countless Christians over the centuries who pray the “O Antiphons” the week before Christmas. Read some of the history in the links provided.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Reconciliation Stained Glass Window in St. John’s Church, Tralee, Ireland, Thomas Denny
Listen: “The Trumpet Child” from The Trumpet Child, Over the Rhine
Read: Psalm 42, 43, Isaiah 8:1-15, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18, Luke 22:31-38
Pray: from Advent (1851), Christian Rossetti
Do: Fill your house with natural fragrance today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Are You Being Served?, Stephen Towns (source)
Listen: “Pretty Home” from And Glory Shone Around, The Rose Ensemble
Read: Psalm 35, Isaiah 7:10-25, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, Luke 22:14-30
Pray: "A Litany of Thanksgiving", Book of Common Prayer
Do: Add honey to your tea or toast today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: A violinist plays in the rubble of Jonah’s tomb, Muhammad Hamed (source)
Listen: “Carol of the Birds” from Christmas Songs, Fernando Ortega
Read: Psalm 37, Isaiah 7:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Luke 22:1-13
Pray: “God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.” (Revised Common Lectionary Prayers)
Do: Help Syrian farmers dig out from war and drought.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Frieze of Prophets, North Wall, 1895, John Singer Sargent
Listen: “Let All Mortal Flesh” from Salvation Is Created, Bifrost Arts Music
Read: Psalm 119:25-48, Isaiah 6:1-13, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, John 7:53-8:11
Pray & Do: Talk with someone about the word or phrase that inspired or puzzled you from today’s Scripture readings.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Christmas Dance, Henri Masson (source)
Listen: Listen: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” from A Christmas Cornucopia, Annie Lennox
Read: Psalm 36, Isaiah 5:13-17, 24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Luke 21:29-38
Pray: "Father in heaven, we thank you that we may feel your leading, your lordship, for you have blessed us with every spiritual and heavenly gift in Christ. We thank you that we may be among those who receive true life always anew, who praise and glorify you, exulting even in difficult days. For it is just in the difficult days that we need to belong to those who are thankful and joyful, who always find new certainty in their lives. With them may we experience the good you give on earth so that humankind may be blest and come at last into your hands. Amen.” (source)
Do: Enjoy an impromptu chuckle with a friend today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Daniel O. Stolpe, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1995 (source)
Listen: "Keep Your Lamps” from That Eternal Day, Cantus
Read: Psalm 9, 15, Isaiah 5:8-12,18-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Luke 21:20-28
Pray: Prayers of the People (Form 6), Book of Common Prayer
Do: Refrain from a favorite beverage, dessert, or entire meal today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Piero di Cosimo (Piero di Lorenzo di Piero d'Antonio), The Young Saint John the Baptist, 1480
Listen: "Prepare the Way” from 30 Songs of Contemplative Worship, Simply Taizé
Read: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:67-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
Pray: “Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for Second Sunday of Advent)
Do: Attend a live performance or listen to a quality recording of Handel’s Messiah.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Meg Hitchcock, Shema - Letters cut from the Koran, 2014 (source)
Listen: "Mt. Zion” from Live At Home, Cageless Birds (feat. Jonathan David Helser)
Read: Psalm 116-117, Isaiah 4:2–6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Luke 21:5–19
Pray: from Inscriptions, 16: "The lamps are burning in the synagogue", Charles Reznikoff
Do: Spend 10 minutes quietly observing the night sky.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: A Senegalese woman kneels in front of a grave, 2017 (source)
Listen: “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ” from Advent & Christmas 2015, The Many
Read: Psalm 22, Isaiah 3:8–15, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, Luke 20:41—21:4
Pray: "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.” (source)
Do: Find joy in giving a simple gift to a friend or stranger you’d like to bless.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Angel of the Revelation, Vladimir Suchanek (source)
Listen: "Behold the Mountain of the Lord” from Very God, Godfrey Birtill
Read: Psalm 18, Isaiah 2:12–22, 1 Thessalonians 3:1–13, Luke 20:27–40
Pray: "Dear Father in heaven, we rejoice that you are our Father. We rejoice that you rule and guide each of us so that our path in life leads to what is good and genuine and we do not get stuck in this or that concern. Lead us, renew us, and again and again free us to go forward, finding new courage and joy for ourselves and for our fellowmen. Then we can praise you, your strength and power can be revealed to us, your heaven come down to earth, and your will be done on earth. Here on earth your help shall come to the poor, the weak, the lowly, the sick, and the suffering. May your name be praised! We rejoice in your name. Amen.” (source)
Do: Today is the Feast Day of Nichols, the Bishop of Myra! Give thanks for the life of the real Saint Nick today.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Love One Another, Laura James (source)
Listen: "Savior of the Nations Come” from Advent No. 2, Holy City Hymns
Read: Psalm 12, 13, 14, Isaiah 2:1–11, 1 Thessalonians 2:13–20, Luke 20:19–26
Pray: On Thursdays through Advent we’ll practice a 5-minute contemplative prayer method adapted from Joshua Banner’s booklet “40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God”.
Do: Re-write Psalm 13:5-6 in your own words to pray throughout the day.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: JR, Gigantic Picnic at the US-Mexico Border Fence, 2018 (source)
Listen: "Rise Up" from Lamentations, Bifrost Arts Music
Read: Psalm 10 - 11, Isaiah 1:21-31, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Luke 20:9-18
Pray: The Lord’s Prayer
Do: Place a nativity set where you’ll be able to see it daily during Advent. If you own more than one, consider combining them all into a caravan.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction read this post: Advent Daybook explained. You can see previous Advent daybook 2018 posts here.
Look: Nicolas Sanchez, Escape, 2017 (source)
Listen: "Winterfire" from Uncomplicated Christmas Songs, Hymns from Nineveh
Read: Psalm 7; Isaiah 1:10–20; 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10; Luke 20:1–8
Pray: Prayers of the People (Form 6), Book of Common Prayer
Do: Today, let running water remind you to pray and give thanks for forgiveness.
An Advent daybook for these 24 days of prayerful expectation. Join me, won't you?
For an introduction to this series read this post: Advent Daybook explained.
Look: El Greco, Adoration of the Name of Jesus
Listen: "Wait For the Lord" from Joy on Earth, Taizé (lyrics)
Read: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36
Pray: “Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, Collect for First Sunday in Advent)
Do: Today, gather four or five candles in a special place in your house you can come back to each day of Advent. Light one candle this week.
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Advent Daybook 2017 (Year B/2)
Advent Daybook 2016 (Year A/1)
“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone."
-- Isaiah 9:2
“And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.””
— Luke 1:46b-55 (ESV)
“Behold Zion, the city of our appointed feasts!
Your eyes will see Jerusalem,
an untroubled habitation, an immovable tent,
whose stakes will never be plucked up,
nor will any of its cords be broken.
But there the Lord in majesty will be for us
a place of broad rivers and streams,
where no galley with oars can go,
nor majestic ship can pass.
For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver;
the Lord is our king; he will save us.
————————————————————-
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
— Isaiah 33:20-22 & Revelation 22:6,20 (ESV)
“He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed (Anointed, His Christ).
———
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, Who is called the Christ. (the Messiah, the Anointed)
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen, from David to the Babylonian exile (deportation) fourteen generations, from the Babylonian exile to the Christ fourteen generations.”
— 1 Samuel 2:8-10 & Matthew 1:16-17 (AMP)
“God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up.
God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up.
He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
*
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born. Sarah said, ‘God has blessed me with laughter and all who get the news will laugh with me!’
*
Remember what Isaiah wrote: Rejoice, barren woman who bears no children, shout and cry out, woman who has no birth pangs, because the children of the barren woman now surpass the children of the chosen woman.
Isn’t it clear, friends, that you, like Isaac, are children of promise?”
— 1 Samuel 2:6-8a (MSG), Genesis 21:5-6 (MSG) & Galatians 4:27 (MSG)
“And Hannah prayed and said,
’My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. ‘There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. ‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
— 1 Samuel 2:1-10 (ESV)
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel'
(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus." -- Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
“He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
— John 3:31-46
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
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Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!”
— Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV) & Psalm 80:7 (ESV)
“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!”
— Psalm 80:1-7 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the Lord of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the Lord of hosts? Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.
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Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.”
— Zechariah 8:3-8 & Psalm 42:11 (ESV)
“As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?””
— Psalm 42:1-3 (ESV)
“In that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
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Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”
— Isaiah 29:18-19 & Acts 5:12-16
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”
— Luke 1:46b-55 (ESV)
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!”
— Psalm 146:5-10 (ESV)
“So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation”
— 2 Peter 3:14-15a (MSG)
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
“Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them as a blazing oven when you appear. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from among the children of man.
Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed. For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows.”
— Psalm 21:8-12 (ESV)
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.”
— Isaiah 41:17-20 (ESV)
“The wasted city is broken down;
every house is shut up so that none can enter.
There is an outcry in the streets for lack of wine;
all joy has grown dark;
the gladness of the earth is banished.
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But there are some who will break into glad song.
Out of the west they’ll shout of God’s majesty.
Yes, from the east God’s glory will ascend.”
— Isaiah 24:10-11, 14-15a
“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.
They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
— Isaiah 11:6-10 (ESV)
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned...”
— Isaiah 40:1-2 (ESV)
“For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher.”
— Isaiah 30:19 (ESV)
“Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of just rule to the crown prince. May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly. Let the mountains give exuberant witness; shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon— age after age after age. Be rainfall on cut grass, earth-refreshing rain showers. Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.”
— Psalm 72:1-7 (MSG
“‘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.”
— Isaiah 54:9-10 (ESV)
“There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn’t deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.
Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours.”
— Hebrews 11:35b-40 (MSG)
Coptic Christians carry a crucifix and chant prayers during a candlelight protest at Abassaiya Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo Oct. 16, one week after people were killed during clashes with soldiers and riot police. At least 26 people, mostly Christians, were killed Oct. 9 when troops broke up a peaceful protest against an earlier attack on a church in southern Egypt. (CNS photo/stringer via Reuters) (Oct. 18, 2011) See EGYPT-CHRISTIANS Oct. 10, 2011.
“He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him anymore.”
— Genesis 8:11-12 (ESV)
“He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
— Isaiah 2:4 (ESV)
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