Too often, our answer to the darkness
is not running toward Bethlehem
but running away.
We ought to know by now that we can’t see
where we’re going in the dark.
Running away is rampant…
separation is stylish:
separation from mates, from friends, from self.
Run and tranquilize,
don’t talk about it.
avoid.
Run away and join the army  
of those who have already run away.
When are we going to learn that Christmas Peace
comes only when we turn and face the darkness?
Only then will we be able to see the Light of the World.
--Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. --Thomas Merton

Reflect and consider what Merton has to say to you. 

Prayerfully read the first stanza of the hymn: Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness
Use the refrain as a repeated line prayer.
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. 
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
Light for the world to see.
Refrain:  Christ, be our light!  Shine in our hearts. 
Shine through the darkness.  Christ be our light! 
Shine in your church gathered today.

Practice lectio divina using:
To speak of Jesus as the Compassion of God allows for human initiative in Jesus in every phrase of a redemptive incarnation without and denial of divine initiative.  It allows for the progressive human identification with the redemptive initiative of God so that Jesus becomes wholly one with the divine compassion and therefore becomes truly divine without contradiction either of the unity and transcendence of God or of the authentic humanity of Jesus.
--Monika Hellwig