December 1, 2024 Advent One
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your love
and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:1-9
A note: Beginning in Advent through Epiphany Day, I dedicate this time to the Mary letters. I pray these will give you a sense of joy and hope.
Dear Auntie,
I am terrified and have no one to turn to. I have been up all night, praying the psalms, hoping the Lord will send me guidance and direction. I stood outside in the moonlight, the air was crisp and very cool, and I felt nothing but terribly alone and shivering cold. I hope what I say to you, you will keep it a secret. I am so afraid! Auntie, I have missed my monthly and know what that means but I have never, ever been with a man. Mama taught me what can happen, and I have never even been tempted. I have been a good, faithful daughter to Mama and Papa. I say my prayers and live following all the rules of faith. Yet, here I am, huddled inside by the dying fire, writing to you in my panic and fear. Auntie, I have been sick to my stomach all times of day and night. This can't be happening to me! Mama and Papa will be so angry, and what will I say to Joseph! Will you pray for me so I can know what to do? Can you help me? I may need to come stay with you for a time. Would you let me stay with you? I am troubled in body and spirit, Auntie. Please pray I can find a way through this, please.
Love,
Mary
A Litany for Advent One
Loving Creator, you dwell with the unlikely
the forlorn, the weary and the outcasts all
to show us the true nature of your love
which dwells with our deepest humanity.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.
We are overcome by frightening situations
the world has grown scary and confusing
we run to our safety, shutting love out
waiting for our world to change for the better.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.
Yet you have call us to be faithful and brave
to carry on like Mary did with all the ridicule
to live with your love deep in our hearts
turning the world into your loving home.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.
Let us carry the light of faith this season
so we might shine your love light here.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.
We may stumble and get lost sometimes
but you have promised to guide us always.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary.
Let us be fully human and fully faithful
carrying your life and your joy to the world.
Lord, let us always be courageous and faithful like Mary. Amen.
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