Day Six

Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. (Isaiah 51:4)

The Parable of the Shovel on the Deck

Get ready; the Kingdom of God is near! Be like the homeowner who puts a shovel outside the backdoor of the house before the first snowfall. Although there were leaves still upon the trees in the backyard, she prepared for the inevitable arrival of winter.

One night, the snow arrived with a fury. In the morning, a thick blanket of snow covered everything in sight. After admiring its beauty, the homeowner reached for the shovel that was just outside the door. With it, she shoveled a path through the deep snow on the back deck to the corner of the yard. Her small puppy was grateful for her foresight and preparation.

PRAYER:

Light a candle (or the first candle on your Advent wreath), take a deep breath, and pray…

O Come Light Divine and shine into the darkness of neglect.  Your justice, O God, is a light that shines into the despair of those who have given up hope.  Your teaching, O God, is a light that illuminates the deep crevices of greed and self-interest.  Your peace, O God, comes as the promise of dawn even during the middle of the night where evil is emboldened.  Teach us with your love, instruct us in the way of your justice, and inspire us with your peace so that we might walk a different path that leads to neighbors unknown and solace unimaginable.   Through the Resurrected Body of Christ, Amen.