Blessed are the Merciful, 1920, Stained Glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany 1848 -1933Arlington Street Church, Boston

Unexpected God, your advent alarms us. Wake us from drowsy worship, from the sleep that neglects love, and the sedative of misdirected frenzy. Awaken us now to your coming, and bend our hearts into your peace. Amen

Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’

"Go now and walk in the light of the Lord. Stay alert, for the Lord is near. Put on the armor of light, and live openly and honorably. Pray for peace for all God's people. May God clothe you in the light of Christ; May Christ Jesus teach his ways to open hearts; and may the Holy Spirit keep you alert and prepared for the coming day of the Lord. Go forward into this peace to love and serve the Lord, Amen.”