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Christmas in July: A Liturgy for the Good Work of Waiting




by Carly Marlys


'Tis the season for Christmas in July around the Rabbit Room. All week, you'll be seeing festive posts and opportunities popping their heads out of the various nooks and crannies of ye ol' rabbit warren.


In the spirit of the Christmas in July season, we present a Liturgy for the Good Work of Waiting by Douglas McKelvey.


Also, stay updated on our Christmas in July calendar for more exciting activities and opportunities to engage with the Rabbit Room. Plus, don’t miss out on a $10/month Rabbit Room membership, available this week. *quarterly gifts not included


 


As my life is lived in anticipation

of the redemption of all things,

so let my slow movement in this line

be to my own heart

a living parable and a teachable moment.

Do not waste even my petty irritations, O Lord.

Use them to expose my sin and selfishness

and to reshape my vision

and my desire into better, holier things.


Decrease my unrighteous impatience,

directed at circumstances and people.

Increase instead my righteous longing

for the moment of your return,

when all creation will be liberated

from every futility in which it now languishes.


Be present in my waiting, O Lord,

that I might also be present in it

as a Christ-bearer to those before and behind me,

who also wait.

As I am a vessel, let me not be like a sodden

paper cup full of steaming frustration, carelessly

sloshing unpleasantness on those around me.

Rather, let me be like a communion chalice,

reflecting the silvered beauty of your light,

brimming with an offered grace.


Amen.



 

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