Friday, December 10, 2010

Advent Meditations - 2nd Week

 
When John the Baptizer made his appearance as a preacher in the desert of Judea, this was his them: Reform your lives. The reign of God is at hand!" Mt. 3:1 
 
Second Week of Advent 
 
O Jesus, in an empty desert your prophet John proclaimed: God is here, at your side. God has come to bring about a kingdom where injustice and suffering will be no more, where tears will be wiped away, and where those who turn to God will feast at a banquet. 
"Turn now, your God is standing at your side. Reform your lives, God's kingdom is at hand." 
In an empty desert John said these things. Give me faith like John's, O Lord, strong enough to believe even in a desert that you and your kingdom are no farther from me than my hand. 
Make my heart strong like his, not swayed by trials or snared by false pleasures. 
Give me courage to be faithful until your promises are fulfilled. of all nations, Jesus Christ,
only joy of every heart,
come and save your people.