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Generous God of grace, grant us the fullness of hope, peace, joy and love this Advent. Guide us to speak and live in a way that expresses true hope in your ongoing work of reconciliation and healing in this life, as well as the life to come. Give us the strength to work for peace in our homes, in our faith communities and across the world.
I long for the power of eternal joy within my heart and mind. Such a treasure will sustain me, providing a firm foundation through all the difficulties of this season and this life. The joy that comes from you, deeper than momentary happiness, offers an abiding awareness of your presence and providence in all situations. Make me deeply aware that your arms of love support and hold me. Help me to see those same arms around others. I want to perceive them as recipients of the same overflowing grace and eternal love that I receive, so I may act accordingly toward them.
This message is excerpted from “Comfort now your people” by Julia Seymour in the November/December 2024 Gather magazine.