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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 telling of stories is woven into the fabric of our lives. When we speak about the deepest hurts and joys of ourselves and our families, we break into story. The stories we heard growing up — from the Bible, from the Brothers Grimm, from our parents or neighbors or friends — shape our images of who we are in the world and of the communities of which we are a part.

Michael E. Williams, “A Community of Stories,” in The Wondrous Mystery: An Upper Room Advent Reader, compiled by Benjamin Howard (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

What stories have helped to form your identity? What stories form the identity of your community?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[I go] singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and telling all your wondrous deeds.
—Psalm 26:7 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, thank you for what is just around the corner. In a season filled with the longest, darkest nights, I await the coming of the most beautiful light. Amen. [prayer adapted from Benjamin Howard’s introduction to The Wondrous Mystery]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room extends warm wishes for a blessed Christmas season and a new year filled with hope, joy, peace, and love — gifts that only Jesus can give. You can serve as a tangible reminder of these gifts by giving to The Upper Room. Your tax-deductible gift, no matter the size, will impact lives around the world. Give today.

Lectionary Readings

  • 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
  • Psalm 148
  • Colossians 3:12-17
  • Luke 2:41-52

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 27, 2024 7:15 am

    I think the stories come as a result of my life not as forming my identity. A tough question, not a lot of story telling here. I’ve lived in NH for five years, and despite my growing up in VT, it’s a very different place. I think I’d need to be here a long while to knowhow to answer for this community.
    When I moved back yo VT in 2017, after many years absence, I fit right in. Both states have granite, NH granite is very different., I’m thankful for friends at church. Church is where you don’t have to “earn” friendship. Thank You, Lord

  • Jill Posted December 27, 2024 4:16 pm

    I have learned the power of stories…so much so from those sharing with me while mom was ill, and others who have listened well to my stories. Being heard is a powerful gift to give to another.
    Balmy here today. Don chose a traditional Hungarian restaurant to celebrate his birthday. He and dad loved it. Becky and I ate minimally and then loaded up on potato chips when we got back to my house for cards. Becky and I took a walk while the guys napped/watched football.
    All packed and ready to head to the beach tomorrow with my friend and her two white boxers. They have so much fun on the beach. Looking forward to their frolicking.

  • Larry Eugene Dyer Posted December 27, 2024 8:47 pm

    As a pastor’s son I experienced many different venues. I came to realize that as humans we are members of the Family of God. With faith. we pass on stories of faith, hope, and LOVE !!! The real challenge today is to be in the world not of the world . ❤️….led…+++,,,

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