Advent Prayer

Sometimes I wonder if moms and daughters encapsulate all the strength of the earth.


I know that I have made no secret of my feelings that this has been a less than fabulous year so affectionately deemed 2005: The Year that Sucks. (I can't wait until it's the year that sucked.) Considering that the year is coming to a close, I thought that all the bad news would be finished, but illnesses, personal tragedies, natural disasters, bad blood and other inexplicable goings-on don't care that the rest of us are on holiday. It is so sad and unfortunate to me that almost every person that I know or have come into contact with has had some awful thing happen in their lives this year. Almost no one was immune. Maybe it's just what we Psychology types call the Availability Heuristic in which a judgement is made based on what we remember rather than complete data. So, I say that's it's been a crappy year, because all I can recall are crappy things. But, one of you might say that's it's the best year ever, because all you recall are great things that have happened. Psychology lesson over. That being said, this week I was once again reminded of what a topsy-turvy, evil world this can be at times. I have been left with the nagging question: Why do people feel justified in hurting or destroying others for their own gain? (Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with me.) It hurts my heart to know that good, sincere and truly generous people are being sacrificed to a selfish and distrustful society. What do people really think they are going to gain? Are hearts so hardened?

I am so often asked why we don't have any children (as if it's anyone's business), and sometimes I wonder how could I bring an innocent child into a world that is so confused? I don't want to have a child in a society that doesn't respect my parental choices in how to educate, discipline and even love my own child. A parent shouldn't need be afraid to scold or hold their child. (I'm not passing judgement, just relaying my opinion. I am also not saying that I don't want children. Ok ,that should cover everyone. lol.)

One thingI have learned from my experience and observation of this year is that there is great strength and truth in all of us if we call upon it. Maybe this has all been God's way of waking us up and making us realize our strength and the importance of faith. I may be sad and a little changed, but I have not lost my faith. I hope and pray that no one else has or will. Good will always conquer evil; we just need to be patient and keep watch, right? Isn't that what Advent is really about? We don't know the day or the hour, but we do believe that it is coming...

The following prayer was emailed to me. I feel that it is very appropriate for this time:

"Shine in my heart," the place where I experience God, the heart where I experience the God-hunger. I long for the light of Christ to shine in my heart, nurturing and sustaining my spirit.

"Shine in my heart" -- illuminate the dark places in my heart: the sadness, grief, anger. Illuminate the dark places in my mind: the resentments, the frustrations. Illuminate the dark places of my spirit: the depression, the anxiety, the fear. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus, and lighten the heaviness that paralyzes my action. Heal the wounds and sins that keep me separated from God.

-- Beth A. Richardson