With each step, weathered, sturdy, or unsure, You keep me steady and moving forward. Even when it seems I’ve fallen behind, Your gentle reassurance and guidance, Instill calm, a sense of being blessed—graced.
No matter where I am or where I go, Your love and wisdom abide within me. The signs, all around, sometimes I catch them, Sometimes I don’t, but still, I know they’re there. Of Your presence for me, for all, there’s no doubt.
The Lord is with me to the end. Lord, your mercy endures forever. Never forsake the work of your hands! – Psalm 138:8
So it is, that the wise grow into the wisdom planted within, drawn to it, and like the birds of the sky, spread their wings, taking flight. As they journey, they move with great care and purpose beyond what moves the circus all around them. Somehow, they know, even when they don’t, even before they understand, the gentle call of their maker, “This is the way. Walk in it,” takes hold, becoming the whisper that stirs their heart, compels their mind, turning word upon word into deed, ever intent on giving greater glory to One, living life, and living it well, day and year in and out, ever homeward bound.
So it was, so it is, so it will be, for all ages, for those who came and went, and are to come.
But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. – Matthew 13:23
Although the colder air that accompanies this time of year in the Northeast can be quite refreshing, after some time, it can leave one wanting for the warmth of shelter, a soft blanket, or hot beverage to offset the chill.
In the Gospel passage for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Matthew 1:18-24), we learn about the warmth of St. Joseph’s response to his betrothed, with whom he had not yet lived or had relations with, being pregnant. Imagine the response, gossip, or chill in the air, created by those around Mary and Joseph. Yet, even before his dream in which the Lord appeared, reassuring him of Mary’s faithfulness, Joseph had decided to respond in a way that was filled with warmth, gentleness, and mercy:
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. – v. 18-19
Envision yourself in Joseph’s shoes. He is described here as being righteous. What do you make of his initial decision to quietly divorce?
Reflecting on situations that are on your mind and in your heart, how do you seek righteousness? What does it look like? And what qualities does it manifest?
As the Gospel passage continues, Joseph has a dream in which the Lord visits him.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – v. 20-21
Recall a time when you had made a decision and then something occurred that reaffirmed your decision or created a new sense of the situation. What happened? What were you praying for, and how did things turn out? How were you saved or blessed? What was the warmth of God like?
Invite the Lord to revisit this with you. What grace from this experience awaits you today?
Spend some time contemplating the verses below and noticing what word, phrase, or image speaks to your heart most:
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” – v. 22-23
Continuing to pray with what caught your attention, ask the Lord to grant you insight so that you may see, or have a greater sense of, “God is with us.”
Before ending this prayer time, return to the image of St. Joseph.
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. – v. 24
As you strive to be faithful to God, what inspires you? What do you need from the Lord to draw comfort and strength from Him, as you journey through your days, while also reflecting the warmth of His presence.
Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. – Psalm 24:7c,10b
Like the lily In that One pond, Live in service, Remain faithful To creation.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. – Colossians 3:12-14
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