My soul reaches out to God
My spirit rejoices in my saviour
God sees that the humble heart is open
And implants his vision into it.

Vaux.2003 (Magnet Magazine)

Each day in Advent readings are given by various contributors according to the prayer's themes of light, power, joy and laughter and finally of love. Click for a reading of a Susan Virginia Hull poem, chosen and read by Kirsty Hook

Listen to a reading of this Susan Virginia Hull poem, chosen and read by Kirsty Hook

Joy of God bless us, laughter of God, heal us. The Christmas story takes place after a long, long time of waiting, hundreds of years of seeming silence from God. Suddenly there are angelic visitations, heavenly activity and we see great outpourings of joy. There are jumpings, outpouring of prophetic songs of joy, glorifyings and praisings. Although at this stage it is just for a handful of people who catch a glimpse of what is going on. In the next few advent reflections we are going to rejoice with these familiar characters in the Christmas story.

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name. Luke 1:46-49

My soul is glad

Rejoice over everything
exult exhilarate
be glad, be delighted
elated and bowled over with joy
frolic freely
hop hope
dance on the dare
cheer
champion the little ones
revel in the rioutous light
invoke God without ceasing
pray with passion
whatever you do do not quench the spirit
take care not to douse or dampen the bold blaze in your depth
Jump into life
hold fast to it
Give thanks for everything
For everything even the most misshapen and misunderstood
is the disguise of the divine.

Susan Virginia Hull