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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

Simeon’s song of peaceful departing is a mixture of pieces of the Psalms and songs of ancient Israel drawn together to express the comfort and joy he feels as he holds Jesus in his arms. He sees in this small child the Savior of the world. . . . Singing his song helps us rest in the assurance of God’s promises as we embrace God’s presence with us. The peace of God’s presence releases us to go wherever God sends us.

—Max O. Vincent, Good News of Great Joy: Advent Reflections on the Songs of Luke (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

When have you seen God’s promises fulfilled in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Simeon took [the child Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples.”
—Luke 2:28-31 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord, Emmanuel. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 5, 2021 6:53 am

    Funds to replace an aged heating system at church, ministries of the church to help people, steps out of debt, healing after someone passed away, these are all examples of God’s promises fulfilled. There are more, God’s blessings come every day in one way or another. Communion today, a guest pastor, Thank You, Lord. Prayers that the plan will be successful and Erich can pursue his future. New snow today, steps toward the long awaited ski season. Thankful his surgery is healing well. Prayers for the NEM family on this second Sunday in Advent. Emanuel’s coming and His presence are remembered.

  • Lou Posted December 5, 2021 8:11 am

    Yes – surely there are new blessings every day and signs of God’s great mercy and promise. Prayers for you all today – praying always for the concerns stated here. Blessings and peace in this Advent season. Prayers of peace and comfort for the victims in Michigan. Prayers for all of those without food and adequate shelter. Prayers for those who are grieving. Thank you Lord- you are near to us.

  • Ally Posted December 5, 2021 2:41 pm

    God promised He will never leave us or forsake us. I have felt God’s presence and know he’s held me up in tough times. I’ve seen God work through ministries I’ve had the blessing of helping with and in my career working with those living with mental illness. Thankful that God is with us, even when God feels hard to get.
    Praising God for David’s positive report from Dr. His PSA numbers have come down a few points. Dr. said they are only slightly elevated and nest course of action is to watch. He goes back in3 months for a re-check. Jeremy is still at vets. He blocked up again Friday night and is is now on a long-term catheter with bag and on fluids to flush the crystals out. He will be catherized at least5 days. This is least invasive procedure for now. He will probably end up having surgery to correct his condition. I posted a comment for yesterday’s entry, but for some reason it didn’t publish. We thank you for your prayers. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted December 5, 2021 8:00 pm

    Surely I have seen God’s hand in my life…the timing, His plan for my job/career. His provision during mom’s diagnosis and struggle – we were able to fulfill her wishes – she wanted to die at home.
    Ally – praising God for the good results for David. Now, pulling hard and praying hard for little Jeremy. The thought of our little ones suffering – probably harder on us than on them…maybe.
    Family was together at my sister’s today for Thanksgiving. It was good to all be together. Dad and I wore a mask the whole time. We had a discussion about eating away from everyone, especially those who have not been vaccinated. He sat right next to his oldest grandson, not vaccinated, and ate. There is no point bringing it up. I sat alone at a table in the basement, until my cousin and her husband arrived. They asked if they could sit and eat with me – I asked if they were vaccinated – and they said yes. So we had a nice conversation, catching up.
    Tennis tonight. The other team got the best of us. Two of the three matches went to the match tiebreaker – first to 10 points wins. Unfortunate. We will likely face this team again, for the opportunity to go to state in January.
    Roger had a rough morning, but was up in the window in the back when he heard me pull in. He ate well and I was able to get his insulin in him. He got a little sick this morning and was on my bed the entire morning. Being mindful to treasure each day, each nose nuzzle/eskimo kiss.
    Praying for this community as we advance into Advent.

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