December 19
Music is one of my favorite forms of prayer. It lifts my spirit! This past summer, as I was accompanying a family member at the end of her life, I was moved to tears by many songs sung at Mass. One that touched me the most was "God of Day and God of Darkness." You might know the first verse, but it was the fourth verse that struck a chord.
Praise to you in day and darkness, you our source and you our end; Praise to you who love and nurture, as a father, mother, friend.
Grant us all a peaceful resting, let each mind and body mend, So we rise refreshed tomorrow, hearts renewed to Kingdom tend.
As I read and re-read today's Gospel, Luke 1:5-25, I focused on the angel's greeting: "But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.'" And of course, another song, this time for almost the entire week!
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest.
Cathy Eldridge, MBA, Former CHA Board Member
CHA Ministry Identity Assessment External Reviewer
Pause
As we journey through this Advent and the darkness, how can you rest in God's love and be refreshed?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.