An Advent Prayer: There is a Light in this World

 Last week, I shared an Advent prayer from Catholic Relief Services.  Today, I would like to share another Advent prayer from that same source.  I love different prayers and poems that so eloquently present a truth of our faith and the truth of our human condition. May we all be able to recognize Christ’s light this Advent season.  May we all aspire to pass on this light to others through our love, our charity, and our example.  

Loving Jesus,

In your name, we mark this season:

As we bring forth light to defy the claims of darkness,

As we bring forth joy and song to defy the claims of sadness,

As we bring forth a spirit of generosity to deny the claims of want,

As we bring forth peace to defy the claims of war.

That in the darkest, saddest, most wanting, warring corner of the world,

All may look to Bethlehem,

Where, in the humblest of circumstances,

In a time of repression

From the person of a poor refuge woman

In the filth of a manger

In the form of a most vulnerable child

You came among us to say, “No, there is a light in the world.”

Let us be this light to others,

Let us be the fruit of the branch of Jesse’s tree.

Let us be the bearers of the indescribable gift that is your grace.

And so defy all false claims on your people and their dignity.

And so, may you be born anew, into every season

into every age

into every land and every human heart.  AMEN.