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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

When we look in the mirror, what looks back at us is the way God chose to enter history. The way God chose to be known, to reach out to us across the divide. Can that thought make you more tender toward the face you see reflected there? Perhaps Advent is a time to celebrate incarnation by practicing forgiveness of your own physical flaws and honoring what you have in common with Jesus. Compose a prayer today of thanksgiving for your body, for the features you like and the ones you don’t, for the miraculous machinery that makes up part of who you are and through which God chooses to bless humanity.

—Melissa Tidwell, Embodied Light: Advent Reflections on the Incarnation (Upper Room Books, 2013)

Today’s Question

What is your favorite feature of yourself? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

When I look up at your skies,

at what your fingers made—

the moon and the stars

that you set firmly in place—

what are human beings

that you think about them;

what are human beings

that you pay attention to them?
—Psalm 8:3-4 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Light of the world, who made all things, speak me
afresh that I might not only hear your word and receive
your essence, but also embody the word you have spoken
in me. Amen.
Prayer by Melissa Tidwell
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

For many people, this time of year is not always merry and bright. Whether they have recently suffered a loss or the season simply brings up old wounds, almost everyone has moments of darkness and sorrow during Christmastime. Join us in praying for those in need or share your own prayer request at The Upper Room Prayer Wall.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 23, 2022 6:15 am

    Had to think if I had a favorite feature, not something I think about, and am guessing my blue eyes.
    Hopefully two alternate email addresses will get my message through to family in Germany, if not, it will have to be physical mail through the post office. Had snow last night, the driveway was plowed, expecting the warmer temps will bring rain next. Wish it was snow. While people are born and die everyday, at this point in my life I am far more aware of dying. A friend’s mother, our lay pastor’s sister, church members, and ZOOM church friends. I feel like a tree in a forest on fire. The word impending comes to mind. Thankfully, I’m healthy, so says my recent checkup. Christmas Eve tomorrow, a very special day. Thank You, Lord. Will get to see how the kitchen roof is doing after it was checked, maintained. Blessings and prayers for all the NEM family and visitors. Merry Christmas!

  • Lou Posted December 23, 2022 6:31 am

    My feature would also be my eyes – I think you can read people by looking at their eyes and if you cannot look someone in the eyes there is surely trouble.
    Thankful that all three of my children were home yesterday – despite the weather in Chicago, my kids all made it in- it was a fun day spent around the fire – talking laughing singing! And eating- my mother seemed a little overwhelmed but I think enjoyed the stimulating activity. Today we will be inside due to the cold but most preparations for Christmas are complete and I pray for everyone to enjoy the day.
    Prayers for theirs without adequate shelter, those traveling to try to reach loved ones, those who are grieving and those who are alone.
    Thank you God for my family. Prayers for all here at the UR.

  • Julie Posted December 23, 2022 9:45 am

    I’m stumped, but I guess I’ll also say my eyes.
    Megan and her dad are out in this awful weather traveling to get the new intrusive addition to this household. It is 1 degree out and the wind is howling upto 70 mph. Penndot has reduced the speed on all major highways from 70 to 4 mph and placed restrictions on large trucks, like tractor trailors. She is traveling to Ohio which has even more severe weather. I pray she is careful.
    Blessings to aall who visit here.

  • Julie Posted December 23, 2022 9:47 am

    So sorry, I usually proof read and I forgot.
    45 mph not 4 and of course up to not upto

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