Last week’s devotion focused on the ways in which Christ’s birth will help to renew and redeem our relationships with people and our ability to show mercy to others.  This week’s devotion is about creation and how the whole world – from the mountains to the grass to the birds to the  fish in the sea (and yes, even the creepy crawlies!) – waits with great anticipation for the Messiah who offers new life.   Let us prepare for the renewal of God’s creation. 

Cross: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Invitatory Bead: “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice . . . it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.’”  (Isaiah 35:1 – 2, NRSV)

1st Cruciform Bead: Lord, we confess that we have not been good stewards of your creation.

1st set of Week Beads: use each bead to confess to God the ways in which you have not shown good stewardship of God’s creation.

2nd Cruciform Bead: Lord, use me to help renew the earth and all that it produces.

2nd set of Week Beads: use each bead to listen for ways to help care for the earth and all that it produces.

3rd Cruciform Bead: Lord, use me to help care for all of your living creatures.

3rd set of Week Beads: use each bead to listen for ways to help care for all of God’s living creatures.

4th Cruciform Bead: Lord, we praise you for the glory of your creation, and for the promise of its redemption.

4th set of Week Beads: use each bead to praise God for all that He has created, and for the hope of the world that comes with the birth of Christ.

Invitatory Bead: recite The Lord’s Prayer

Cross: In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen