Advent, Day 7

Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6

God of our Journeys,
You called your disciples and sent them out to proclaim the good news
with the instruction to take nothing for the journey.
You told them to pack nothing:
No extra clothes,
no walking stick,
no food,
no money,
no baggage at all.
But we are a people obsessed with our stuff.
We never leave home without keys, cell phone, wallet or purse.
And in this season we are focused on things:
We're focused on gifts and wrapping paper and bows,
we're focused on baked goods and festive drinks,
we're focused on what to pack for the trip and what to bring to the party.
Remind us that, in the journey of our lives, there are no tangible "essentials".
Remind us of your provision that fills our hearts and our minds with what we truly need.
Remind us of your Spirit that goes before to prepare the way for our arrival.
Help us to think of Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem,
carrying with them few possessions,
but bearing what was truly essential: Christ, God-with-us.
Just as they transported the good news,
teach us to bear your good news to a world filled with stuff,
but in need of your love and truth.
Amen.