Contemplative Moment—The Advent Revelation

Revelation 1:12–18 NIV (selected)
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me… and among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man… His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!

“Among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man.”

Question for Reflection:
Where might Christ already be standing beside you, quietly, in the background of your week? What would it mean to turn, like John, and really see Him there?

John 1:4–5 NIV
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Question for Reflection:
What shadowed place in your life most needs the touch of His nearness? Where is the Light already beginning to break through?

Prayer—
Jesus, Light of the World, reveal Your presence in my Patmos places. The trampled places, the weary places, the hidden places. Where I feel thin, strengthen me. Where shadows gather, shine gently. Stand among the lampstands of my life and speak again, “Do not be afraid.” Let Your light be my hope in the waiting, my courage in the dark, my joy as You draw near.”

Question for Reflection:
What is one small way my life could carry Christ’s light into another person’s trampled place this week?

Prayer of Symeon the New Theologian—

Come, O true light!
Come, O eternal life!
Come, O true and fervent expectation of all those who will be saved!
Come, O rising of those who lie down!
Come, O resurrection of the dead!

Come, O eternal joy!