12/22 Advent daybook, 24: neither shall they learn war anymore

My Advent daybook for these 24 days of waiting. Join me, won't you? (see previous Advent daybook 2015 posts here)

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look

Christmas in an Iraqi refugee camp, 2014

source

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read

Micah 4:1-5: He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore

all readings for the day:  Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:11-22

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pray 

Lord Jesus Christ our Refuge and Deliverer, Who as a child sought refuge in Egypt while fleeing from those who would persecute and harm You. Remember those today who must flee in the same manner, and find themselves in foreign and strange lands, granting them your Presence, your protection, and your provision. Illuminate us to be a shining light upon a hill amidst the dark evil in our world, that we may do our part with hospitality and resources, and that all who are refugees might be led to the brightness of Your redemptive love made present by Your glorious Incarnation, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen. (A call to prayer for refugees from Anglican Church in North America's Archbishop Foley Beach: source)

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listen

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Benedictines of Mary

(Also, feel free to listen with me to my ever-evolving Advent playlist or a growing Advent Orchestral/Choral playlist on Spotify.)

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do

enjoy warm drinks with friends
cranberry mulled cider via

Read this poem: Prayer at Winter Solstice

Blessed is the road that keeps us homeless. 

Blessed is the mountain that blocks our way.

Blessed are hunger and thirst, loneliness and all forms of desire. 

Blessed is the labor that exhausts us without end.

Blessed are the night and the darkness that blinds us. 

Blessed is the cold that teaches us to feel.

Blessed are the cat, the child, the cricket, and the crow. 

Blessed is the hawk devouring the hare.

Blessed are the saint and the sinner who redeem each other. 

Blessed are the dead, calm in their perfection.

Blessed is the pain that humbles us. 

Blessed is the distance that bars our joy.

Blessed is this shortest day that makes us long for light. 

Blessed is the love that in losing we discover. (Dana Gioia)

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(see all Advent daybook posts from 2014 here)