Bonus Advent Reflection: Val Fraser

". . . because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 NIV

Darkness has cast its deathly shadow many times this year. Far, far, too many times. The icy chill of it penetrates my very bones, lingering long after the event. It threatens to freeze me in my tracks, immobilizing me from action. But surely, as a person who has survived the madness of 2017, as a person who is loved by God, by definition I qualify as the hopeful recipient of this declaration. In many respects I feel I amliving in darkness and in the shadow of death.And yetGod has chosen tobless me by the rising sun which comes to me from heaven to shine. The force of this light has the power to dispel shadows, and the warmth to loosen my frozen feet and keep me striding purposefully along the path of peace.

A prayer for those in darkness

Father God, I pray for those I know who are lost in the darkness. Help me to love them and bless them. Father please shine your light on them through me.

Father God, I pray for those who wish to harm me and others. You know exactly who they are, you see the intentions of their hearts, you understand their motives, you are not rattled by them as I am. Father God, by the power of your holy spirit, I ask that you would bless them, soften them, touch them, love them, as you have loved me. Father God, shine your light into the darkness of their hearts. Quell the anger in their souls and turn their hearts instead towards love, kindness and friendship.

Father God please protect our freedoms and give us courage to love and bless others, to let our light shine. Father God, by the power of your holy spirit please comfort and strengthen us as we experience those moments of fear and anxiety in our own hearts, give us the assurance of your presence as we hear of troubles in the world.

Father God, please guide my feet as I walk the path of peace this Advent.

Amen

Val Fraser has a working background in journalism and communications. She was formerly the Communications Officer for the Diocese of Liverpool and worked on staff as the Creative Writer at United Christian Broadcasters (UCB). She currently supports the Communications Department at the Diocese of Manchester. Books: Val is the author of Life in Cardigans, The Case for Cardigans, The Cardigan Diet and the editor/designer of Beyond the Banter. @ValFraserAuthor