Advent, Day 16

Isaiah 11:1-9; Numbers 16:1-19; Hebrews 13:7-17

Creating and Re-creating God,
You promised that a shoot would grow up from the stump of Jesse,
That a great leader would come from a dying family line,
that new life would appear where previous generations had been cut down.
Restore hope where desolation reigns.
Re-create our hearts,
that instead of being broken by sin
we may be mended and re-formed into your good creatures.
You promise that the wolf will live with the lamb,
prey and predator will dwell together in safely.
What a peace, what a transformation that assures!
What a turning of hearts and habits it must require for the predator to stop hunting!
What a growth must take place for the prey to have courage to take its place beside the hunter!
God, if you can work this transformation, if you can bring this growth, there is nothing you cannot do.
Transform our human hearts as you transform the animals.
Soften the hard hearts of the cruel, teach them to act with gentleness,
Put kindness and compassion in the hearts of bullies.
Embolden the victims: Heal their perspective, fill them with confidence,
turn them into survivors who can stand strong.
Bring an end to persecution and abuse of all forms.
You promise safety for even the most helpless creatures.
Empower us to build a world that is safe for all your children.
Guide us to create systems of care for those who live with mental illness.
Mend our ways, that instead of weapons plants we build hospitals,
instead of shooting ranges, mental health clinics.
Reshape our world, that there will be no harm or destruction,
in this, your holy creation.
Replace our hate with knowledge of your love.
Amen.