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Magnificat focus: “God brings down the mighty, lifts the lowly”
Contributor: Rev. Rhonda M. Johnson
Leader: We come to the second week of the Advent journey. Pregnant with anticipation and stillness of mind and heart, we come with a spiritual knowledge of great liberation and healing of our land.
So, as we gather in this second week, we light the candle of Peace. This peace comes not from guns, fists, or supremacist policy laid down, but from the peace that makes hearts humble, our words true and trembling, liberating voices raised no matter the circumstances!
This peace surpasses all understanding, led by an awaiting Prince of Peace. With contention all around us, we speak peace from our Creator who brings down the mighty and lifts the lowly. We speak peace, we magnify peace, and we wait for the embodiment of Peace, the Christ. Come, Jesus, come.
Leader: Hear the words that bring peace from the prophet Isaiah:
People: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1)
Leader: We hear Mary, proclaiming her message of peace:
People: “Our Creator has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:52)
All sing or say:
O come, Desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid envy, strife, and discord cease;
fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Leader: We light the first candle of Hope,
as witness to God’s faithful nearness and promise-fulfilling love.
People: Where fear narrows our vision,
let this light widen our sight.
(The first (blue/purple) candle is lit.)
Leader: We light the candle of Peace
People: Peace that cannot be seen by eyes or felt by human hands.
Leader: But peace that lives within us that is the promise of a liberation birthing, truth telling God in flesh.
(The second (blue/purple) candle is lit.)
People: For the Mighty one has lifted us up, beyond our humble state, above and beyond our foes and for all generations to call us blessed.
Leader: We wait with expectation for a God that brings love to our being,
truth to our lips and a stirring in our hearts until the manifestation of peace comes.
We wait with anticipation and lament, courage, and longing
for peace that shows itself to our spirits
and surpasses a world that does not understand.
This peace we long for, and as our Peaceful Prince, we bid you come. Amen.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, our Light and our Salvation.
Let us magnify the Lord with hope and peace that overcomes fear!
Rev. Rhonda Johnson is a Columbia Theological Seminary DMin Candidate and currently serves as Administrative Assistant for the CTS Office of Academic Affairs.
Listen to what Advent means to Rhonda at tinyurl.com/CTSAdventMeans
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