Mighty, Gentle and Loving

Tuesday, Second Week of Advent

Joyous light of heav’nly glory, loving glow of God’s own face, you who sing creations story, shine on every land and race.  Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you, God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts a new. 

In the stars that grace the darkness, in the blazing sun of dawn, in the light of peace and wisdom, we can hear your quiet song.  Love that fills the night with wonder, love that warms the weary soul, love that bursts all chains asunder, set us free and make us whole. 

You who made the heaven’s splendor, every dancing star of night, make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light.  Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way, Loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.

(From Holden Evening Prayer—Evening Hymn copyright 1990 by GIA Publications)

Reflection:  God is in the daybreak.  God is in the Shadows.  God’s light may appear with the subtlety of a dancing star.  Or the light may blaze boldly, blinding the eye yet warming the heart in miraculous ways. 

Once God’s love bursts the chains that wrap around your understanding, and the fears that limit your hope of what is possible, you will find yourself being lead to endless day!  As you envision yourself being led by God today, what seems most true about God's presence?  Is it mighty, gentle or loving?  How does that might, gentleness or love affect you today?