Hidden Hope

But on this humbled ground, a tiny shoot, hopeful and promising,
    will sprout from Jesse’s stump;
A branch will emerge from his roots to bear fruit.
And on this child from David’s line, the Spirit of the Eternal One will alight and rest.
By the Spirit of wisdom and discernment
    He will shine like the dew.
By the Spirit of counsel and strength
    He will judge fairly and act courageously.
By the Spirit of knowledge and reverence of the Lord,
    He will take pleasure in honoring the Lord.

(Isaiah 11:1-3, The Voice) 

 

I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power. Our temptation is to be distracted by them. . . .When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence - the smile of a baby, the carefree play children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends - I will always remain tempted by despair. 

 

The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises. (Henry Nouwen, Gracias! A Latin American Journal)
 

Prayer

 

We welcome you, small child of Bethlehem, who's coming we await with quiet attention. Shield us from the shouts, the screams, the empty promises of the season, and encourage us to turn our hopes to your coming. We know that the promise is hidden in the stable in Bethlehem and rooted in the offspring of Jesse; let us look for our salvation there. Amen.

Advent action

 

Today I will look for one small sign that God is present in my daily life. I will give thanks for his presence. If he is absent, I will resolve to find out why.

 

(from Advent and Christmas: Wisdom from Henri Nouwen)