First Monday of Advent
– 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 52:7-10 (HSCB)
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the herald,
who proclaims peace,
who brings news of good things,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
The voices of your watchmen
— they lift up their voices,
shouting for joy together;
for every eye will see
when the Lord returns to Zion.
Be joyful, rejoice together,
you ruins of Jerusalem!
For the Lord has comforted His people;
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has displayed His holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth
will see the salvation of our God
Reflection
“Good News, Peace, Salvation”, today’s passage from Isaiah is a typical Advent reading given by the Church to help lead us into a spirit of hope and peace.
The people of Israel for many years were banished from their traditional home and lived as captives in Babylon – in modern-day Iraq. They longed for the day when they would be free again in their own city of Jerusalem.
We can look around our world today and see so many exiles. Some who long to be free in their own country, others who long to be with friends and relations in a safe place where they can enjoy a life of peace. Covid has brought virtual ‘exile’ from loved ones for many people, particularly the elderly.
Let us pray today for all exiles, refugees and people who live in hope of a welcome, a home.
We pray that they won’t have to wait in despair while uncaring bureaucracy or nations with discouraging immigration policies waste their lives.
Today’s Music
Click to purchase Songs Of Praise: THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM