Abba, I rest my heart in Your unchanging goodness, grateful that You are my anchor in times of trouble, loss, and even death.
Today my emotions are stormy. Death has come near again and again, and I feel crushed by the weight of loss and the pain of separation. Yet I remain confident in Your promise of eternal life. I hold tightly to the declaration that “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15)

Now, Lord Jesus, as I enter into Advent, draw me into wonder and worship. I remember that You humbled Yourself, becoming a baby in a manger—born to die, to bear the sins of humanity, and to restore the image of God in us. Stir in me renewed anticipation of the Blessed Hope, the promise that just as You came once as Savior, You will come again as the King of all Creation.

Lead me from darkness to Light, from sorrow to joy, from despair to hope.
Let my life reflect the goodness of God to all—the Holy Spirit living in me, making all things new.

In Jesus’ holy Name, Amen.