Preparing the Table for the Lord |
December 3, 2024 - Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
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The American folk artist, Edward Hicks (1780-1849) was also a distinguished minister with the Society of Friends (Quakers). A hallmark in Quaker spirituality is to promote non-violence and peace. One of Hicks’ famous folk-art pieces is a painting entitled, “The Peaceable Kingdom”. It dramatically portrays the First Reading for this third day of Advent from the Prophet Isaiah. The passage from Isaiah, like the painting, illustrates what the Kingdom of God is to be, a place where all find a home in comfort and peace. Imagine a world where a wolf, a lion, a cobra, a leopard can live in harmony with a calf, a lamb and, an ox and no one is afraid or threatened by each other? In addition, you have a child in this scene who leads them all.
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As we begin the Advent season, this is the image for us to reflect upon these days as the Child to lead us is the Messiah, Jesus and His Kingdom will be one of peace and justice where all are gathered around the table of the Lord in fellowship. This image may seem ideal or futuristic, but it is obtainable when we realize that we can be the conduit of this peace right here, right now in our world. The artist Edward Hicks was portraying Isaiah’s prophecy, but he is also showing us now what peace looks like. This Advent let us be that peace:, let us welcome others to our table.
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Look with favor, Lord God, on our petitions, and in our trials grant us Your compassionate help, that, consoled by the presence of Your Son, whose coming we now await, we may be tainted no longer by the corruption of former ways. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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