Listen

A voice cries out in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord.

There is so much noise this season of Advent and the continuing season of the pandemic.  The expected noise of holiday gatherings, music, shopping and that goes with Christmas preparations chatters at us on social media, streaming, internet,  television, and airwaves.  Mix all that with the anxiety and fatigue of the pandemic, new variants, vaccines, flu while celebrating with friends and family and we realize it is hard to actual listen. Too much noise.

This week take a few moments each day to listen to one person or thing.  Listen to your spouse, partner, child or parent. Listen to a friend. Listen for what silence tells you. Listen for the voice that cries in the wilderness calling all of us to prepare for the Lord.

Merciful God,

You sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed that call and to be prepared so that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our redeemer, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Adapted from the PCUSA Book of Common Worship