An Advent Devotion for December 6                                                             Read Luke 1:57, 67-79

“By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

As a young woman, there was a time when I desperately clung to a thread of hope. When I think back on those days, I’m reminded how people simply cared for me. Near strangers reached out to me. They showed me Christ like love and compassion. The world needs people to care, to show the way through the darkness . . . people who will reflect Christ’s light. People who through actions and words give the gift of hope, expressing love to troubled souls.

Most of us will never be in a position to negotiate a peace deal with Iran, North Korea or Afghanistan or resolve the nations health care crisis. But, each of us can be an instrument of love and hope in another person’s life. We can be a person who lets another know that we care. We can be part of the light splintering the darkness for another person. We can be one who gives the gift of hope.

Zechariah was visited by an angel who told him not only that his wife would have a son, but that his son would prepare the way for the coming messiah. At John’s birth words long held back, spilled out of Zechariah’s mouth as he prophesied. “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Advent is a good season to spread the light of Christ where we live and work, in our homes and in our neighborhoods. For there is one who has shown us the way through the darkness and who guides our feet into the way of peace.

In the week ahead:
Put a candle in your window to remind the world of the way home.
Send a note of love and care.
Give a gift card to a person who is struggling economically.
Call or visit someone you know is discouraged.
Drop some dollars in a Salvation army kettle or volunteer to be a bell ringer.
Give a hug.
Be a friend.   Advocate on behalf of one who needs a voice.
Send some flowers.
Find a way to reflect light to the world.

Prayer: God of Advent, In our Advent waiting, show us who needs us to reach out in love and compassion this season. Show us ways to care, to share what we are able to share. May we be your instruments of love and grace. In our Advent waiting may we reflect your light to the world. Amen.

Additional Advent & Christmastide Devotions can be found at:   Advent & Christmastide Devotions