Daily Readings: Psalm 25; Malachi 3:16-4:6; Mark 9:9-13

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose. They will abide in prosperity, and their children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life, and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. My integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles. Psalm 25, NRSV

In the quiet advent of reflection, the psalmist in Psalm 25, like the unwavering Mount Zion, seeks a steadfast trust amid the seasonal battle. As the verses unfold, I connect this ancient assurance with the anticipation of Christ’s advent. The psalmist acknowledges human frailty but emphasizes reliance on God’s mercy, wisdom, and protection on life’s journey.  It’s a profound expression of faith, humility, and the intimate relationship between the individual and the divine. In the context of today’s world, Psalm 25 can resonate as a heartfelt prayer for guidance in navigating life’s challenges, seeking wisdom amid uncertainties, and acknowledging the need for divine assistance in the face of personal struggles. It encapsulates a universal theme of turning to a higher power for strength, guidance and forgiveness in life’s complexities. I reflect on Psalm 25, weaving its ancient verses into the tapestry of my painful past, acknowledging the scars etched and to seek divine guidance. This meditation becomes a pilgrimage toward a place of inner peace. Through these sacred words, I find solace, forgiveness, and the strength to transcend the shadows, inching closer to a sanctuary of healing and serenity. In the gentle glow of advent candles, I find a reflection of the son of righteousness, casting rays of healing in the shadows. This contemplation is a reflection on the enduring hope embedded in the promise of a coming day, where all hearts of generations turn toward restoration, echoing the gentle whispers of divine grace, as we await the dawn of the Savior’s birth.

May both shadow and light guide you to God-With-Us.

Offered by Donna Eby