Dawn Will Break...

SCRIPTURE

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
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 DEVOTIONAL

I don't know about you, but I find the following words to be extraordinary good news!

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."

It brings tears to my eyes to know that God's tender mercy is following me all of the days of my life. And, to be honest, there isn't a day that I don't need it!

Because I am simultaneously "saint and sinner," I am always aware that I miss the mark throughout my day. I confess that I fail to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I overlook opportunities to love my neighbor as myself. In word, thought, and deed, I often don't reflect the example of Jesus Christ, who is our greatest example of how to live in--and reflect--the light.

Have mercy, Lord!

And as soon as my heart and soul cry out for mercy, I realize that mercy has been following me, has always been attending me, and is always available to me, giving light in the midst of my darkness and guiding me in the way of peace...

May the way of peace be yours this season as you breathe deeply, praying...

(inhale) Jesus, (exhale) Mercy...
Repeat until you experience God's mercy and peace.


PRAYER

Jesus...Mercy.
Jesus...Mercy.
Jesus...Mercy.