WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18 21c-25; Psalm 85 ; Luke 7:18b-23
As vibrant tesserae in our mosaic of peace, our beloved Filipino communities gathered before dawn this morning to begin Simbang Gabi. In the practice of gathering in the dark and cold, we are reminded of the deliberate sacrifice that is made in a moment of quiet devotion. Together, we prepare for the coming of Christ.
In the transformation from darkness into the light, we experience a threshold moment, one that demands our full attention and invites us to leave behind our anxieties to focus on God's active grace. It is in this cultivation of our inner peace we can truly surrender and find profound, tranquil stillness. As we experience this new dawn, God meets us exactly where we are – in our fatigue, our hopes and our fears. We are invited into a sacred stillness that fosters warmth and joy.
Tracie Loftis, MAHCM, LCSW
Senior Vice President, Mission Integration
Ascension
Pause
Today, intentionally carve out your own threshold moment as the sun rises. Step away from your distractions, look out to the horizon, and allow the quiet dawn to anchor you in Christ’s comforting presence.
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.