Today’s scripture: Acts 10 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
During the season of Advent, MCC congregations around the world are preparing our hearts and churches to celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.
And throughout this season, MCC congregations are focused on making our churches welcoming and accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.
Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC’s Moderator, has written the Advent prayer below — a prayer that combines the themes of Advent with MCC’s commitment to make all of our churches accessible to all people.
Advent Prayer
by Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, MCC Moderator
O Holy One, thank You for loving us so much, that you became vulnerable in a tiny infant so long ago. Our hearts bow this season before the mystery of creation and redemption that is at the heart of our faith.
In this season of Hope, we are grateful for sisters and brothers who struggle for inclusion and justice, even in the church of Jesus Christ, even in MCC, as they live with disabilities, both visible and invisible.
In this time of Peace, we lift up and bless their witness. Those who cannot see or hear or speak or walk; those with mental challenges, or chronic conditions, are as fully a part of your Body as those of us who are presently “able-bodied” and untroubled in our minds.
Remind us, Jesus, in your season of Joy, to slow down, to pay attention, to look each other in the eyes, to listen more intently, to refuse to make hurtful assumptions.
God whose name and nature is Love, help us see, with your eyes, the perfection in each of us. Move us out of our comfort zones, as You did so long ago. Help us to be vulnerable. May we humbly learn from those whose path may be steeper than ours.
Jesus, you were never afraid of differences. You touched and embraced those whose appearance, suffering or need pushed others away. May we be more like You, as we build your Beloved Community with everyone’s participation.
In Your Many Names, Amen.
Thought for the day: I want to see others as God does.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.