Scripture Reading

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
                                (Isaiah 9: 2-7 NRSV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Picture from the nuns at
Turvey Abbey

Reflection

People walk in darkness throughout our world. Bars of oppression still burden the weak - people of violence cause bloodshed on a barely imaginable scale. Where is the one with authority to establish justice and righteousness? And where can we find signs of the coming of that kingdom in our troubled world today? 

Write down - or copy and paste - a verse - a phrase - or an idea based on your reflection to refer to during the day.

Prayer

O Key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The O Antiphon introduces the Magnificat in Evening Prayer between 17 and 23 December. You may like to include that in your prayer today.

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