New World United Methodist Church

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 7
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Read Luke 3:21-22.
Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism is brief and vague. He was baptized among “all the people” by an unnamed baptizer, and until he prays, the scene is rather unremarkable. During his prayer, however, an iconic scene unfolds with the heavens opening, the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove, and a voice booming from heaven.
As I considered how I might visually respond to this text, I began to meditate on what was unspoken and implied in Luke’s account, and one memory that stuck out in my imagination was the moment
Jesus was underwater. how did Jesus feel when he held his breath and descended into the river?
This image offers a snapshot of Jesus right before he steps into his calling, on the threshold of spectacular affirmation. he is completely suspended, embraced, and upheld by the waters of baptism. the water’s surface is choppy. the future is unknown and precarious. his path is a lonely and formidable one, eventually leading to his suffering and death.
Despite what is to come, Jesus reaches toward the surface. Two fish are drawn to the light of his halo, foreshadowing his companionship with fishers and his miraculous feeding of the five thousand. All of creation is leaning into his call.
This is what trusting your belovedness feels like - muscles and bones relieved of gravity’s burden, serenity, weightlessness, oneness with creation, and the warmth of God’s love permeating every cell of your body and every corner of your soul.
-Lauren Wright Pittman, A Sanctified Art

Dear God, As we close this season of devotion, we pray for your Spirit to guide us forward. May we bring you glory as we embody your love. Amen.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Epiphany
Read Psalm 148.
Epiphany, a word often associated with the Magi’s discovery of Christ, can also be a reminder of how God's divine presence is revealed in the wonders of creation. I love how Psalm 148 beautifully captures this revelation.
The psalmist calls upon all of creation, from the heavens above to the earth below, to join in a chorus of praise to the Creator. The celestial bodies, the angels, and the elements of the earth are urged to acknowledge and worship the Lord. All of humanity joins in the chorus.
In this call to worship, we find an epiphany - a profound revelation of God's glory through the natural world. The sun, moon, and stars declare God's majesty as they follow their courses in perfect order. The psalm reminds us that every aspect of creation reflects the divine artistry and speaks of the Creator's wisdom.
As we contemplate the heavens, we are invited to recognize the epiphany of God's presence in the universe. We, too, are part of this grand design, and our lives have divine purpose. In the vastness of the universe, we find a glimpse of God's boundless love and the intricate beauty of God’s creation. Let this epiphany inspire us to praise the Lord with gratitude and wonder, both for the revelation of Christ in our lives and in the world around us.
Holy God, we praise you for the goodness we find in creation. Lead us to seek you in daily. May we embody the love of Christ in how we live our lives, so that your boundless love is revealed to all. Amen.
-Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson, Associate Pastor
Art by Lucas Jackson

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5
Read Luke 9:12-17 Feeding of the Multitude.
Reflecting on the concept of a visit, I pondered its significance. Hospitality is ingrained in me; when guests come to my home, ensuring they have enough is second nature. This reflection led me to Luke 9:12-17, the feeding of the multitude.

"Will there be enough?" This question echoes in various contexts. Sometimes, it's asked in anticipation, planning for celebrations or unexpected guests. Other times, it's tinged with worry during life events, questioning the adequacy of resources.

The question is a constant companion, arising in fear, like checking the grocery list against the budget or facing uncertainties during family illness. Yet, across time, one truth persists: if I kept faith and sought God's will, somehow, there was always enough. Whether through unexpected gifts or God's grace, sufficiency prevailed.

Accepting God's will brought adequacy, even if not always abundance. Today, I pose the question as a blessing. Helping my children, contributing to food drives, volunteering – these acts affirm that, through Christ's love, the answer to "Will there be enough?" is always "Yes, there will be enough."

Heavenly Father,
I come before you in gratitude and humility; as a child that you have cared for all my life. Teach me Father. Teach me your will and grant me the strength to carry out that plan. Let me learn that I need not live in fear for by your sacrifice I am saved and by Christ blood I have been granted salvation. Lead me to care for my brothers and my sisters so that through faith in you we each shall have enough. Amen. -Don Riney
Art by Harper K.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4
Read Isaiah 9:2-7.
Christmas time to me means to break away from the daily routines and spend quality time with friends and family. In early childhood, we didn’t get to visit with family since we were always too far from my parents’ childhood homes. As a teenager, I especially wanted to go and visit whoever would see me – family near and far, friends, work colleagues, places of gathering. I felt a longing to visit and be visited.
As young adults and when newly married, Cheri and I always traveled to visit family. We rarely celebrated Christmas at our home – Cheri grew up the same way I did, far away from family as our fathers climbed their work ladders. It was imperative for us to visit family; it was important for our family to be visited. The anticipation of Christmas visits put us in the holiday spirit.
The prophet Isaiah foretold the visit of God upon the earth. He shouted to the Nation of Israel that God visiting upon the earth will have us “rejoice as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For He will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders” … “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will sit on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Dear Heavenly Father through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ and with your Holy Spirit, we ask your blessing on all our visits of the season and let us rejoice with the Heavenly Hosts that God has walked this earth and graced humanity with his presence.We thankfully and humbly bow to the greatest Visitor of all. Amen. -Scott Gigliotti
Art by Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3
Read Romans 15:12-13.
In verse 12, Paul references Isaiah's prophecy about the promised Messiah, connecting Old Testament scripture to the truth that Christ is the Lord of all peoples. Gentiles, through faith in Christ, place their hope in Him for salvation. In verse 13, Paul's prayer to the "God of hope" emphasizes God's role as the giver of genuine hope, not false encouragement. Despite life's unpredictability, God is trustworthy, offering words of life in despair.

Paul prays for believers to be filled with joy and peace "in faith," emphasizing that as they trust in God, their faith will bring genuine joy and peace. This exchange involves giving God discouragement and receiving overflowing joy, peace, and hope in return. Lastly, Paul seeks not just human hopefulness but supernatural, Holy Spirit-powered hope, enabling believers to overflow with hope regardless of circumstances.

Facing difficulties? In your season of despondency, trust in God. He has the gift of hope for you. Ask the Spirit to fill you with hope as you place your trust in Him.

Loving Father, my heart rejoices as I realize the depth of love you have for me. You truly are my glorious God of Hope, and I thank you that this is not the doubtful ‘hope’ of the world, but a definite hope that is securely founded on your unchangeable Word.
-Dennis Stalmach
Art by Rev. Erin Sloan Jackson

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2
Read John 1:9-18.
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -from Galatians 3:27-29
I must assume that St. Paul the Apostle was including all differences when he writes “for we are all one in Christ”. Christians together share a unity that should transcend all oppressions that society may construct. In reality, we live in a world where many Christians are unfairly oppressed because of their differences. Without a doubt, I know God loves ALL of His children equally.
The Christmas season offers charitable opportunities to serve people we might not meet otherwise. Some with differences. How precious are these encounters. May we continue to seek and find encounters where we can show God’s love through our compassion and acceptance. Matthew 25:40 God reminds us that whatever we do for others, we did for Him.
One of my favorite messages during communion is Pastor Leslie’s invitation - “all are welcome at this table”. Love God. Love Neighbor.

Lord, the numbers are staggering for those who are suffering because of war, extreme weather, poverty, mental health concerns and violence in our cities and schools. Help our leaders bring resolve to terrorist threats and acts of war. All of these problems are huge, but not too big for you, Lord. We pray for strength and guidance for our leaders, our nation and local communities. Help us to be a blessing to others with the love, acceptance and understanding you generously give to us each day. Amen.
-Joan Church, image by Jim Penson

“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him…” Romans 15:13
When I awaken each morning, after thanking God for this new day and my many blessings; I ask him to help me face the new day with hope. Often it is hard to do because when you turn on the news you are greeted with stories of man’s inhumanity to man.
One of the underlying factors in hope is trust. Trust in God and trust in his word.
When I look back at the Christmas story, with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wisemen. I realize that God must have filled them with a feeling of hope. They had to have an unwavering trust in God to embark on such an unknown journey. How could any of them have known that this Baby would change the world forever. That He would go out into the world to spread God’s word of hope, peace, joy and love.
What a challenge we have before us to continue going forth with this message.
Dear God, We take to heart the Advent message of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Help us to spread this message through our actions and our words. Amen. -Carol Chaney

One service today at 10am

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
Read John 1:9-18.
As we have often heard, Jesus is the light of the world. His life continues to serve as a light to lead our way in our own lives. Although this is written by the beloved disciple, John, I can almost imagine these words being spoken by the prophet, John the Baptist; calling for the One who was to come.
Light becomes an important image describing Jesus' life. Through Jesus, one may know God. John also speaks in sadness of those who either did not recognize or receive God (as Jesus) as he dwelt among them.
The good news, however, is that although we did not actually physically know Jesus, those who receive Jesus may receive the power to become true children of God .
To me, this passage provides an inflection point. It looks back to what was before as well as pointing the way to a bright, blessed life that is enlightened by our relationship to Jesus, the light of the world.
Dear God,
We remain thankful and grateful for your special gift to us: the light of your Son, our precious Lord, Jesus. In a world that can sometimes seem like a fearful road covered in shadow, the shining example of His love provides a lighted pathway for all of us to make our way in the world. Amen. -David Coffee
Art by Hope Montey

We root ourselves in ritual. I wonder what Mary and Joseph expect when they enter the temple to dedicate their newborn son. The customary ritual quickly unravels into an astonishing scene. A stranger named Simeon pronounces Jesus to be a “light” and “revelation,” and his dying wish is fulfilled. A prophet named Anna also draws near to the child, praising God for the redemption he will bring. In this image, Simeon bestows his blessing and prophecy with the urgency of a man desperate to say everything that needs to be said before time runs out. In the top left, I depicted Jesus’ hand being cradled by the hands of his parents, like a Polaroid placed in a scrapbook. I imagine them memorizing each wrinkle and tiny fingernail, treasuring the smallness of a hand that will one day become a strong fist, fighting for justice for the oppressed and liberation for those held captive.
Dear God, we pray for the courage to speak love to others who need to hear it. Amen.
-Artist Reflection: Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art, Used with permission.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
A reflection on “Some Children See Him” by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson.
The Alfred Burt Carols, an annual Christmas tradition by musician Alfred Burt, originated from his father, Rev. Bates Burt, of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pontiac, MI. Wihla Hutson, an organist and composer at All Saints during her school years, became a close family friend of Rev. Bate’s son, Burt, and his wife. In 1950, the family asked her to write the traditional Christmas Carol/Card, and she continued the tradition for a few years.
One of the most famous carols, "Some Children See Him," emerged from Hutson's contemplation on how children worldwide perceive Jesus, considering the absence of a description of baby Jesus in scripture. It was 1951, amid the Korean War and six years after World War II. Meditating on this, Hutson penned lyrics later set to music by Alfred Burt, creating a contemplative, almost spoken-verse tune.
Though recorded multiple times, this carol is seldom included in hymnals. James Taylor's rendition with a string orchestra on the album "James Taylor at Christmas" stands out as one of the most beautiful versions.
This is one of my favorite carols of all time. Meditate on this text:

Some children see Him lily white, The baby Jesus born this night.
Some children see Him lily white, With tresses soft and fair.
Some children see Him bronzed and brown, The Lord of heav'n to earth come down.
Some children see Him bronzed and brown, With dark and heavy hair.
Some children see Him almond-eyed, This Savior whom we kneel beside.
Some children see Him almond-eyed, With skin of yellow hue.
Some children see Him dark as they, Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.
Some children see him dark as they, And, ah! they love Him, too!

Holy God, May we see the image God in all people. Amen. -Steven Couch
Art: “Surrogacy” inspired by Luke 2:1-20, Hannah Garrity, A Sanctified Art

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
Read Revelation 7:9.
In October, I attended two Bible translation fundraising events. Did you know it can take up to 30 years for an English speaker to learn a new language well enough for translation? Relying solely on this method would mean centuries to translate into every tongue, fulfilling the scripture envisioning every tribe and tongue acknowledging God, extending beyond national languages to every dialect in India and approximately 200 sign languages worldwide.
The good news is that innovative methods make it possible for every tongue to receive Bible verses, chapters, and entire testaments in the next few years. These methods focus on local leaders who know the language, collaborating with trained Bible translators, drastically reducing translation time.
Loren Cunningham of Youth With a Mission (YWAM), dreamt of young people spreading the good news across nations. Before his recent passing, he aspired to deliver the Word to the illiterate by translating the Bible into their 'Oral Mother Tongue.' Efforts are underway to engage local communities in an oral and recorded process to make scripture accessible to all.
The Seed Company of Arlington is working on written translations and recently learned of a desert tribe with no words for 'boat,' 'fish,' or even 'love.' Imagine being 'fishers of men' without words for boats or fish, or the stories of Noah and Jonah.
This work is often carried out secretly and involves risks. However, God supports and protects those on this mission, transforming both recipients and participants. They encounter a God unlike any they've known, learn of His unconditional love, and experience His unmerited favor through belief.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You will visit every nation and every tribe through your holy and perfect word! Protect those who are working with you to bring this about in our lifetimes. Let the news of the birth, life, death and resurrection of be available to everyone and bring about your kingdom. Amen.
-Art & Devo by Kate Baird

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
Read Matthew 2:1-12.
Imagine that you and I are Magi from the Bible. As Magi, we have been studying the heavens and noticed a special star. We believe this star represents the birth of a Jewish king, and we want to worship him. We make careful preparations for a trip to the Jewish capital, Jerusalem. Once there, we ask for directions (wise men indeed!) to find this baby. News of our quest reaches King Herod, a non-Jew placed in power by the Romans. He consults the Jewish priests as to where their king is to be born. Hebrew scriptures say Bethlehem; thus, Herod sends us to Bethlehem of Judea to find this new king. We are instructed to return and tell Herod the baby’s location.

After leaving Jerusalem, we are overjoyed to see the star leading us towards Bethlehem to the house where the baby king is! Seeing the child with his mother, we bow down humbly and worship this baby named Jesus, presenting him with gifts of great value fit for a king. Later, we are warned in a dream to return home by a different route to avoid Herod. We obey.

Dear God, help us to believe and act in faith as the wise men did. Help us to seek direction in your Holy Scriptures, preparing ourselves carefully throughout life’s journey. May we humble ourselves and worship you with our whole hearts, bringing you our best gifts. Help us to obey and trust you. Amen.
-Janine Geisel, Art by Brock Reynolds

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Read Luke 2:8-9 and Luke 2:29-32.
How often do we, as Christians, think of Jesus as the light of the world? Daigle, Duncan and Mabury's hymn Light of the World clearly tells us that God's faithful had waited, and yearned for the promised Light to arrive, to save humanity, and to change the world.
It is easy to see how light became a repeated symbol of Christmas through candles, a lighted star, a lighted angel, or a lighted Christmas tree. A Bible concordance lists over 50 passages, in both the old and new testaments, referring to light as an important part of God's message to his people.
Genesis 1:3 "let there be light"
Psalm 27:1 "the Lord is my light"
Isaiah 2:5 "let us walk in the light"
“...When Mary and Joseph entered the temple, the Holy Spirit descended upon Simeon. He held Jesus and blessed Him by calling Him a Light for God's people. Prophecy had been fulfilled. "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." from Luke 2:29-32

Prayer:
Lord, You sent an angel surrounded by light with news of the birth of our Savior to the shepherds in an open field. You sent the Holy Spirit to Simeon at the temple to let him fully see the glory surrounding Jesus as He was held in Mary's arms awaiting Simeon's blessing. Help us to see your glory during the Christmas season in the light that surrounds your believers as they enter a sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Help us to see your glory during the Christmas season in the light of a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts of love. Help us to see your glory in a lighted star as a simple but mighty symbol of your love and your promise to your people. Amen.
-Rhonda Pugh

Artwork:
“Make Your Face Shine” based on Psalm 80
By Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 - A Christmas Devotional
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Luke 2: 8-20
In Luke 2:8-20, the Christmas narrative unfolds with shepherds receiving an angelic proclamation and visiting the Christ child. The choice of shepherds as the initial recipients raises a question: Why them? Shepherds, often considered low in status and education, were situated in remote fields, typically regarded as second-class citizens. However, the Bible consistently features God calling and using shepherds.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, initially frightening the shepherds with the glory of the Lord. Yet, the angel swiftly reassured them, delivering joyous news of a Savior, the Messiah, born in the town of David. So, why did the angels choose these humble shepherds? A deeper examination reveals insight from the Mishnah, documenting Jewish oral traditions during Christ's time. These shepherds were likely "shepherds of the Temple" or shepherd-priests, responsible for the Temple's flock used in sacrifices, situated close to the Temple.
This sheds light on their swift journey to Bethlehem. As shepherd-priests, they were aware of God's promise to send a Savior, replacing the sacrificial lamb. The infant in Bethlehem fulfilled that promise. After witnessing the Christ child, the shepherds shared the angel's message, astonishing others. The once lowly shepherds became bearers of extraordinary news, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event.
In contrast, Mary treasured and pondered these experiences in her heart, while the shepherds returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for what they had witnessed and heard, aligning with the angel's message. As we celebrate Christmas, rejoicing in Jesus's birth and sacrifice, let's focus on the ultimate gift—God's Son, Jesus, and our salvation. In gratitude, we thank God for this priceless embodiment of His boundless love.
Most Gracious God, as we celebrate this day, thank you for the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Amen. -Vanette Sherrill
Watercolor by Hope Montey

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
Angelic messengers declare joy with a celestial choir proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, Peace to those on whom his favor rests." Ever experienced a moment so divine that it felt like heaven's song echoed around you? Weddings, celebrations, milestones, life-changing events, or the birth of a baby—all inspire a desire to break into song and praise. Now, picture the night our Savior was born.

In our lives, we encounter these "heaven singing moments" frequently. Yet, do we remember to express gratitude to the one who visited over two thousand years ago, altering the course of the entire world for moments that take our breath away?

Every day, we should acknowledge the gift of God's Amazing Grace, echoing the response of the shepherds who were first informed of the birth: "Let us go and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

This means actively participating in the moments where life is lived to the fullest for God's glory—be it in baptisms, confirmations, saying "Yes" to following Jesus, commissioning for mission work, or acknowledging those who dedicate their lives to service. The celestial anthem, "Glory to God in the highest," resounds in moments that give all the glory to God. As Jesus proclaimed, every knee will bow before him, and the heavens will once again sing the song of peace.

This Christmas and in the coming year, my hope is that each of us fully embraces every moment for the glory of God, allowing us to hear the heavenly song each and every day.

Almighty God, enrich our days and raise our awareness of the sacred in each moment. May we enter a new year with you in front of us, leading and guiding, so that we remember to praise you in everything we do and sing of your glory. Amen.
-Rev. Leslie Byrd
Art: Hudson Womack

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.” - Luke 2:13a
Luke's gospel blends Jesus' birth and the Magi's visit into a single narrative, although we now understand the Magi's visit occurred later. Joseph receives another dream visitation, warning of the need to protect the Son of God during their travels to a new temporary home.
Have you ever explored an unfamiliar place? It's filled with wonder, surprises, new friends, and blessings. As an Itinerant clergy, we often heard the call to bring good news to new places temporarily, making each community our home for a season. Building connections within these communities, forming extended families, has been a profound gift.
In our many homes across Central Texas, we've joyfully visited with people of all walks of life, spanning ages from teens to 104. Each visit, a season of sharing meals, laughter, conversations, prayers, tears, and proud moments. These visits, though temporary, hold lasting value. We did life together for a while, promising to stay close even as miles separated us.
Similarly, Jesus physically visited the earth, breaking bread, sharing peace, hope, and love. He gathered with us, both human and divine, then ascended into heaven, promising to hold us close until his return. As visitors in each other's lives, we're called to bring faith, hope, and love until the day of Christ's next visitation.

Loving God, open our homes, tables, and lives to those around us who need love and compassion. In an age of loneliness and isolation, may we purposefully allow our paths to cross for a season and treasure the relationships always. May we know that a visit can become holy ground and trust that you have purposefully placed people in our path. This we ask in your name. Amen.

-Rev. Leslie Byrd, Senior Pastor

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
Meditate on the lyrics of this hymn:
Come, thou long expected Jesus
Born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in thee
Israel's strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth thou art
Dear desire of every nation
Joy of every longing heart
Joy of every heart

I love hearing hymns from my childhood reimagined in contemporary ways. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus was originally written by Charles Wesley and first published December 17, 1745. This version is arranged by Meredith Andrews, and we sing it in our contemporary worship service. To me, it is the old and the new working together to create a beautiful song of hope for a weary world who so desperately needs it.
Dr. Michael Hawn of SMU Perkins School of Theology wrote: “Although we live in a different time than Charles Wesley, the longings of people’s hearts are just as deep. We long for security, love, relationships, meaning. To those who open themselves up to its message, this hymn identifies with that longing at the deepest levels of our existence. Where there is no longing, there can be little meaning. Hope is central to Christian experience. And where will our longing, our hopeful waiting lead us? Where is the ultimate home of our hope? In the final line Wesley takes us there: ‘Raise us to Thy glorious throne.’”
Dear God, the Joy of our Hearts, Thank you for being a God who moves us to hopefulness through words both ancient and new. We praise you! Amen.
-Sarah Duer, Director of Communications
Artwork: Hannah Garrity, A Sanctified Art, Used with permission

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
"...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
The Holy Spirit. When I was very young the Holy Spirit was a nebulous concept that I did not understand or recognize. In my Catholic parochial school, we constantly made the sign of the cross to "the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen." The Father and Son I understood. The Holy Ghost was just kind of scary.
Fast forward 30 years and I began to understand the Holy Spirit in a new light. He was the counselor or advocate to help me live a righteous life. He provided nudges to take actions that challenged me and expanded my comfort zone.
Fast forward again to today and I know experience “visits” from the Holy Spirit all the time. On our mission trip at McCurdy Ministries, the Holy Spirit was a constant presence. I felt his presence on the drive there with the abrupt change in landscape to the mountain desert. I saw the Holy Spirit in my fellow mission trip members through their actions, conversation, work, and laughter. I felt his presence in the eyes of the new Executive Director there describing her vision and her passion. Lastly, I felt his presence in my times of solitude studying and reading while observing photos and artwork at our dormitory.
Looking back, I know the Holy Spirit has always been part of my life, watching after me in times of trouble and leading me to safe harbors. I pray for his guidance and presence this week as Leslie faces major surgery.
(Editor’s note: Surgery was successful.)
Lord, during Advent, please let us be attuned to “visits” from the Holy Spirit. We pray we can view our lives through a prism that recognizes these visits in the people, places, and activities we experience in our daily lives. Amen. – Al Qualman, Art by Brody Reynolds