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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

Those who follow Jesus are now the joint heirs of the kingdom that Jesus stands to inherit from his heavenly parent. It means we are family, connected, and as such we have certain rights and responsibilities. We share a certain spiritual DNA with Jesus. Like him, we have a share in the divine nature. We are made in the image of God, and nothing can deprive us of this inheritance of eternal value.

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

Today’s Question

What kind of inheritance is yours as a follower of Jesus? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
—Romans 8:17 (NIV)

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.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 22, 2022 8:23 am

    Believers inherit the attributes of God, Jesus, an the Holy Spirit during our spiritual journey. We don’t have them to the same degree, we aren’t divine, but we can do them to the degree God empowers us. Of them all, LOVE is supreme. Thank You, Lord, for making us in Your image and enabling us to believe.
    The storm is coming, emergency power restoration crews from last weekend’s storm stayed..
    The forecast says snow changing to rain, a high in the low 50s, and wind. Prayers for wisdom on what to do regarding travel.
    The kitchen roof at church was checked, snow removed, tightened up in a few spots. Have to see what happens this weekend.
    Tough times are highlighted during this time of year. Through it all God is always with us. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted December 22, 2022 10:04 am

    I never thought of this concept. It is interesting and so is Robert’s interpretation.
    Bible Study yesterday morning and therapy in the afternoon. I am gaining so much from my therapy sessions and I thank God that it is available to me and that my therapist and I mesh so seamlessly.

  • Jill Posted December 22, 2022 6:23 pm

    An eternal inheritance. The gifting of the Holy Spirit within until I reach my final destination. Ongoing transformation into the image of The Son. All mine. Praise to Him alone.
    Saw my rheumatologist this morning. She is anxious to see the results of my MRI. Afterwards, picked up Thai and went to my friend’s for lunch. The kittens got her dogs Christmas presents and we all spent the afternoon on the couch, napping, watching a movie, relaxing. We discussed plans for our upcoming trip to the beach.
    A quiet evening at home, reading and snuggling with the kittens. I have a student who will be cat sitting for me. She lives very close to me. She will stop by Monday to meet them and get the key.
    Waiting for the storm to hit overnight. Will see how much the activities of tomorrow are hampered.
    Julie – I am thanking God that He has matched you so well with your therapist. May you continue to be encouraged and strengthened as you meet with this person. Robert – prayers for you and Erich, the conversations you will have.

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