Hope blooms
undaunted
by the gloom of despair.
crk 2.16.24
Hope blooms
undaunted
by the gloom of despair.
crk 2.16.24
Advent Devotional
December 3 -9, 2023
Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Thought/Verse of the Week: As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him…”- Luke 3:4 (NIV)
One of the things that I love about living on Delaware Street is that I can walk to the Woodbury Public library, the Coffee Shop and the Post office. Years ago, in one of my walks to the Post office, I noticed that the lamps on Broad Street had been decorated with evergreen wreaths and red bows. Looking at these festive lamps reminded me of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, A Christmas Carol.
As I strolled down Broad Street, I imagined Dickensian characters singing Christmas carols underneath one of the lamps – with white, powdery snow falling and laying on their woolen coats.
While reflecting on these images and sounds, memories of Christmases past flashed through my mind. One of them was of street children singing carols outside our front door at Jelimore Apartments, Iloilo City, Philippines. It was the first Christmas Dave and I celebrated as a married couple. In the cool December air, the carolers sang, “Joy to the World.”
When they got to the chorus, we were surprised to hear these words, “Let there be one, let there be two…” As they continued singing it became obvious that our young friends didn’t know the correct lyrics of the beloved Christmas hymn. We had to point out to them that the words of the chorus really were, “Let every heart prepare him room…”
As we continue our Advent journey, let us remember to prepare a room for Jesus in our hearts. Let us set aside anything that will hinder us from being a gracious host to Jesus and all those that Jesus will send our way in this season of love, joy and peace. (CRK)
By Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
your yellow bonnets
nod shyly as the breeze kiss
your radiant faces.
sleeping through winter
you are awake, in full bloom
yearning for the sun.
in awe, I watch you
with joy and delight, my lips
curved into a smile.
this almost-spring-day
you bend and sway, while birds sing
songs that warm my heart.
Carla A. Romarate-Knipel,
copyright 2022
Gracious, loving God,
On this cold, wintry day
I thank you for the warmth of your love
that covers me like a blanket,
keeping me safe and secure.
As the snow lays on the ground.
I am comforted by your words through the prophet Isaiah,
that though my “sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow.”
Thank you for your grace and forgiveness.
Help me to fall asleep again, and in the darkness breathe
deeply and close my eyes.
Watch over me and all I love until I awaken to the dawning
of a new day.
Prayer written by Carla A. Romarate-Knipel, copyright 2022
by Carla A. Romarate-Knipel, copyright 2022
It’s the first day of the new year, O God.
I thank you for the past year – with all its
…blessings, hardships, and challenges.
I thank you that you were with me
the whole time.
Even in the darker days, your Light
shone
… to illuminate my path,
… to warm my heart,
and lead me forward.
Now here I am,
at the beginning of a
new year.
May I go through this day and this year,
with confidence
in your everlasting, unconditional
love.
May I look up to You, who look upon me with
favor,
not because I am perfect, but because you are
perfect
and by my faith in Jesus, you have made me your
child.
Send me forth then into this new year, into your
world,
with hope and strength
to be your living, breathing blessing
to everyone I meet on this path,
journeying together…
to the future that you have prepared
for all your beloved children,
with faith, hope and love.
In the name of Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega,
the Author of my beginnings and endings.
Amen.
I saw a bouquet
of flowers huddled like friends
sharing a secret.
Christmas day is here
Emmanuel – God with Us
Wipes away my tears.
In the sheer silence
You speak to me, loving God –
I breathe and listen.
In silence, I wait
for a word that calms my sad heart –
slowing down to rest.
Sitting by myself
Waiting for my iced latte –
hoping you’ll show up.
– Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
7.23.23
Copyright 2023
I remember the first time you touched me.
my mind …
my heart …
my body …
my mind was like a landscape that you explored with deliberate, tender steps
seeking to behold another soul, waiting to know if I were the one or should you move on.
my heart was like a garden, on which you sowed seeds of your vulnerable, truthful self – transparent and transcendent
breaking open to let the slender, fragile shoots of your beautiful soul
blossom into a fiery, enduring love that rages beyond finite time and space.
my body was like a canvas lavished by the brush strokes of your deep desire
to know me – the vibrant colors and rich textures of sweet communion with your beloved.
All these touchings are now just memories I cherish
and longing for them to come alive again
in my dreams
in my striving
to keep you ever present
with me,
long after I finally decide to scatter your ashes over the ocean that once separated us, but now
has become an ever flowing reminder
that our love goes on and on …
– Carla A. Romarate-Knipel
7.19.23
(copyright 2023)
I remember Dad –
his crisp white shirt and blue tie,
and his eyes that smile.