Sunday 29 November

Reveal among us the light of your presence, that we may behold your power and glory.

Readings (Click the links to see the readings)

Jeremiah 33:14-16 | Psalm 25:1-10 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 | Luke 21:35-28

In Mary-Darkness
—Jessica Powers

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary
And on one night when a great star swings free
From its high mooring and walks down the sky
To be the dot above the Christus i,
I shall be born of her by blessed grace.
I wait in Mary-darkness, faith's walled place,
With hope's expectance of nativity.
I knew for long she carried me and fed me,
Guarded and loved me, though I could not see,
But only now, with inward jubilee,
I come upon earth's most amazing knowledge:
Someone is hidden in this dark with me.
The Selected Poetry of Jessica Powers, ed. Regina Siegfried and Robert F. Morneau. Kansas City: Sheed & Ward, 1989.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
— Henri Nouwen

Righteous Branch

"In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David." Jeremiah 33.15. (image source unknown)

"In you O Lord do I put my trust" (Ps 25.1) Members of the Hinsdale Men's Chorus at Penang Seventh-day Adventist English Church, 14 March 2015.

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen.


St Philip's Anglican Church, corner Moorhouse and Macpherson Streets, O'Connor, ACT 2602
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