Thursday, December 4th

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

     It is comforting for me to remember that for generations we have been a people who have waited. For centuries we pilgrims through songs and scripture have been invited to wait on the Lord. Young and old ones, weak and strong we have shared this practice of not doing. Instead we are called to intentionally make a space and place to listen.

     And what is it we are listening for exactly? This day, what you are listening for?

     Each year the first task of listening begins by stepping out from the hurrying and scurrying patterns of life. With this intention of dis-engaging from what distracts and separates, we pilgrims are invited to turn and return to what is surely coming. We await the revealing of the Promised One. Only by letting loose of our places of entanglements can we be open to what this revealing may look like. The writer of this letter to the early church in Corinth brings us encouragement and vows that we will be held by God’s faithfulness throughout this waiting season. 

     In The Four Quartets T. S. Eliot reminds us, “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” We are called to wait for something new this season, something that will be birthed for the first time in us, with us. God’s faithful presence in the world is for justice and for healing. We are called to pay attention and to not lose heart. In our waiting, we are told to listen for a message. This new voice may sound like a mighty alleluia or may be as soft as the peaceful breathing of a sleeping baby.

                                          Breath Prayer:   “Awaiting”     “another voice”

Prayer:
Faithful and loving God, we listen for your message for us this day. Reveal to us how we might best love and serve you. Bring hope especially to those who are overwhelmed and feel they have lost their way. In this waiting time, may we listen with our hearts and may our spirits hear well what you intend for your world this day. Amen.