Today’s Reflection
Christmas is not a day. Christmas, rather, is an experience of God’s advent into the world, of God’s deep love for humanity.
Hopefully, we do create space and make an opening for Christ to dwell. Sometimes we make room for Christ when we open our hands to help a neighbor. Sometimes we do it when we offer a word of encouragement. We can also make room for Christ when we make time for children, or when we lay aside our own pursuits and dreams of success to help another person.
Christmas is not a day or a season, but an attitude that can shape our dreams and our outcomes.
—Todd Outcalt, Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
How can you make room for Christ today and every day? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
—Luke 2:6-7 (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
The Upper Room wishes you a blessed Christmas season, full of joy and love, in celebration of the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. You can continue to spread the gift of Jesus by giving to The Upper Room. Your tax-deductible gift of any size will impact lives throughout the world.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Christmas Day
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Merry Christmas UR family- my youngest made it home and we have all tested negative and spent a wonderful Christmas Eve together on zoom with my oldest daughter on the west coast- I’m thankful for the two children I have here plus my son’s girlfriend – an almost “full” house last night- I worked hard trying to make it nice for everyone- the best part was the fire and watching church online together. I missed attending at our beautiful church with all the people I have known for 30 years- but it was wonderful all the same.
Merry Christmas to you all- it was so good to hear from you April – thank you for your kind words and prayers –
Merry Christmas to all who pause in their day to stop by here. May the Prince of Peace rule in your hearts, soothing weary souls, strengthening tired bodies and reviving us all.
Lou – so happy for you and your lovely evening last night. May the blessing of togetherness be prevalent again today as you spend priceless time together.
April – thank you for sharing how you shine your light into the lives of others. I am sure those teachers appreciate you taking the time to encourage them. A small light can illuminate the darkness – bless you for your faithfulness.
Last evening I lit candles and dimmed the lights and watched the Christmas Eve service from my church and then the Christmas concert at one of the churches which has the cancer support group. A pleasant, quiet evening. My best friend braved the snowstorm and stopped by yesterday afternoon. She brought dad and I cookies and my calendar. Each year she makes a calendar with photos of my god-children (and god-cats) – my most treasured gift each year which I get to enjoy every day of the year as it hangs in my kitchen. When she went to leave, she said – I had to come, it is Christmas Eve – we are always together on Christmas Eve. Even typing it now brings tears to my eyes again.
I just spoke with dad and I told him I don’t want him driving over here today. Windchill is at 2 degrees and we have about 4-5 inches of snow so far. I am going to try to go over to his place around noon. He said he doesn’t want me out in this either. But better for me, than for him, at 87. I need to look at my driveway again and see if I will need to shovel. My car is all wheel drive, so I am thinking I won’t shovel until maybe this evening…I should be able to get out.
Blessings to all, as we are awe-filled at our unchanging Saviour.
Merry Christmas dear UR family. I pray for each and everyone who visits this site today and may we all join together and welcome our Savior to the world.
Prayers for April and how wonderful to hear from her. I am in awe that even now she has found a way to spread joy to those around her and encourage those in need of kind words and uplifting.
Prayers for Lou and her family and may they continue to a have joyous and warm time together.
Prayers for Jill and larry and may Jill arrive at Larry’s safely. It is very cold with a similar windchill and snow amount here, so do be careful. What a wonderful and thoughtful friend you have, you are indeed blessed.
Prayers for UR employees who go to such lengths to bring so many useful and insightful Christian produscts for us. Thank you and bless you
A blessed, holy, awe inspiring Christmas, may we feel as the shepherds felt, to all of you. “Do not be afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy, for unto you a Savior is born.” Thankful you are all safe, hope Jill’s travel is safe too. It’s a soggy rainy, flood watch day, with snow disappearing fast. Ski resorts hit hard. Temps in the 50s.
Snug and warm here, Face Timed with my daughter. She and her family are using generator power this morning, and are all doing well. Was able to see Willa and Oona playing with their new toys. LEGO building was underway.
Stollen and citron tea for breakfast, Pearl was exceptionally vocal this morning.
The stable is full, Mary, Jesus, Joseph, a cow, and a donkey. The star shines down, the shepherds and some sheep have arrived.
Thankful for the conversation here this morning and prayers that you have , as Wesley wrote, an “altogether Christmas.” Glad you are all healthy and pray that you stay that way.
Thank You, Lord, for coming to be with us, to teach, and ultimately save us. May Your light shine through us to all the world.
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