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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

The Advent journey reminds us that we cannot take the light for granted. Christ is near, and God partners with us, makes covenant with us, and asks us to respond to the light that has come into the world. We may not have to move far, but God does ask us to move, to be bold enough to step out on faith and seek the light.

—Todd Outcalt, Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

How is God inviting you to “respond to the light” today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
—John 12:35-36 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Emmanuel, God who is with us, help me remember you are near every day of the year.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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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, 2020 6:40 am

    I try to keep shining as a witness to the light. Hope to see the Christmas trees all lit up in front of church, they represent love, hope, joy, and peace to the world.
    The dull coat finish that will help progress my modeling projects finally arrived.
    Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, music and light starting at 6:30 with the service at 7.
    May you all have a blessed Christmas as we remember the coming of the Lord.
    Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted December 23, 2020 8:37 am

    God is asking me to rely on the light and believe that light will come again. We found out yesterday that her father’s boss did test positive for Covid. Megan was quite sick yesterday after feeling almost normal on Monday. She has never had a fever and has an appointment tomorrow morning for a test. Her father continues to equivocate over his own testing. Megan does not have any illness other than sinus related and she vomited yesterday, but that happens with her sinus issues due to the drainage into her throat and ultimately into her stomach. I can’s decide if she and I should wear masks, etc as we have very close contact for over a week of her illness. I also have noticed a wound developing on my one finger and one toe from the Reynaud’s. I am still rocked by the lose of Tazzie and tear up often. Lastly after musch interrogation I have ascertained by h that our finances are tenuous at best. I cannot deal with all at once and will tackle the finances after the other fires have been resolved.
    Prayers for Robert and his children and church, may his children follow him in his faith and may the church have a safe and warm Christmas Eve service.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may they enjoy their Christmas together and cling to one another during this time of sadness and also joy and warm memories. May the joy overcome the sorrow.
    Prayers for Ally and David as they give thanks for one another and anticipate a better year ahead.
    Prayers one and all and thank you all

  • Ally Posted December 23, 2020 9:11 am

    Today I seek God as to how God wants me to respond to the light. This week, the world has been following light, as Jupiter and Saturn passed each other in a rare convergence. Some think this may be what the Magi saw (or something similar) and followed to find Jesus. Lord, I pray that persons will follow the light that leads to Your Son and see Your wisdom as how to respond. May we hold the light so others can see and feel the warmth of a Savior. Amen.
    Robert, thank you for you actions which point to Christ. I pray the trees at your church will be a beacon to others and bring them joy and peace. I pray your children will seek and follow the light. Julie, many prayers for your and Megan’s health. I know y’all are keeping a watch on your symptoms and will do the right things. Prayers for your Reynaud’s and that your wounds heal quickly. Prayers continue for you and Megan as you grieve for little Tazzie. I know that it was a privilege to care for and love him. It’s so hard when they leave us. Prayers for your finances. I’m praying as you seek God’s wisdom through this process. Jill, I pray that you and Larry find ways to keep Christmas and find some joy. Know that I’m sitting with you in your sorrow. I’m thankful you have Roger to keep you company. Praying also as you seek wisdom regarding the students who cheated on their tests. Prayers for Rick, Marcy, Lou, and all our other regulars. May they be well and find some joy and peace in the season. May they feel the light of God’s presence. David and I will be traveling tomorrow. Please pray safety and traveling graces for us. We plan to keep getting out of the car stops to a minimum. I’ll try to visit here tomorrow, but if I don’t, happy Christmas Eve to all. Sister and I will be baking cookies and doing some cooking prep for Christmas Day at home. Love to all!

  • Jill Posted December 23, 2020 11:30 am

    He is asking me to be intentionally grateful, recalling to mind the plentitude of blessings in my life. He is asking me to remain hopeful as well. And, deep down, I am. Today is a little better. The sun is out, finally. Will bask in it today, as rain begins tomorrow and then turns into a winter storm. I am meeting my friend to walk with her dogs in the sunshine in a little bit. I stepped away from grading yesterday, as I recognized I was not in a good space to grade freely and liberally, as I usually do. So, instead I got to ridding up the basement. Filled both of my trash bins – so called it quits. It looks a lot better, still more to do. Watched my god daughter’s basketball game which got rescheduled somewhat unexpectedly for last night. She has another one tonight.
    My sister and her husband just stopped by, dropping off cookies and we exchanged presents. Standing around my kitchen in masks, we opened presents. So very different.
    I will be picking up dad and my Christmas dinners this evening. Not sure I would be able to make it out tomorrow with the storm coming in. We are doing Italian again, from a local favorite. Hopefully the storm will move through well enough so that we can get together on Christmas.
    May the Prince of Peace abide with each one who gathers here. May the warmth of His love see all through this very different Christmas.

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