Pause

What does it take to bring something into being, something that simply did not exist? Can you imagine a time “before time?”

The God we worship is not only unconcerned about such constraints; God works totally outside our perceptions of time and space.

This is the God who awaits you now in quietness. Seek the freedom to be in touch with your Creator.

Listen

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11

Think

Some things are far more peaceful than others: a football player versus a figure skater, a firecracker versus a waving flag, a thunderstorm versus a crackling fire, a falcon versus a dove. The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus like a dove. When you close your eyes and picture that scene, what does it look like to you?

He would die a violent death for preaching good news, but Jesus’ ministry was begun by God with a peaceful gesture of the Spirit. God then speaks to Jesus, expressing God’s pleasure. In Genesis, God was also pleased with creation.

In Jesus, God was creating a new covenant with humanity, a new way that we would relate to and know God. The peace of God is offered to you in the midst of the busyness of a new year. Much as Jesus must have been affirmed and assured at the moment of the descending dove, so you too can know that God is pleased with you when you are sharing God’s love with others.

Brian Foreman

Pray

God of peace, please help me to experience the peace that only you can give when I am searching for wisdom and direction. Please help those who are tormented and without peace to find it deep within the comfort of your Spirit. Amen.

Go

Creator God we sing, a hymn of joy we’re making;
Our grateful love we bring, as the new day’s light is breaking.
God made the sea and land; the sun and stars came rolling
From God’s own loving hand, their Creator’s love extolling.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Creator God we sing: Alleluia!

From "Cantemos al Creador" by Carlos Rosas