First Friday of Advent – 5 December 2025
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Isaiah 29:17-24 ESV
Thus says the Lord:
Is it not yet a very little while
until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field,
and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?
In that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD,
and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
For the ruthless shall come to nothing
and the scoffer cease,
and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,
who by a word make a man out to be an offender,
and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate,
and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.
Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:
‘Jacob shall no more be ashamed,
no more shall his face grow pale.
For when he sees his children,
the work of my hands, in his midst,
they will sanctify my name;
they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding,
and those who murmur will accept instruction.’
Reflection
Isaiah’s words in today’s reading reveal something of God’s desire, God’s will. To transform the way things are now into what God’s longing is. Transformation of nature, of society and of individual lives. Bringing fruitfulness, opening deaf ears, blind eyes (as Jesus does in today’s Gospel – Matthew 9:27-32), bringing an end to tyranny, injustice and evil. All of this leading to awe and wonder towards the God who brings this transformation about.
Where is God inviting you to pray for and cooperate with this transforming work of God? Through care for creation, involvement in working for justice in society, and in your own life?
Consider ways in which you already make a difference to the world. Celebrate with God what your presence brings to the lives of others, your community, your environment. Do something to celebrate this with God – share a cup of tea and a cake together. Do a dance. Sing a song.
Today’s Music
He changes everything by Julie Hufstetler