X

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

There are days when having a body seems like … an unnecessarily gross burden we must bear. To imagine that Jesus also dealt with the body’s smells and the small humiliations—that he was a baby with a runny nose or a teenager with acne—seems bizarrely implausible. And yet, this must be true. The doctrine of the Incarnation demands that we affirm Jesus in the flesh, in a body, subject to all the conditions bodies experience. …

Jesus seems quite willing to wade into the earthy realms of spit and sweat; he doesn’t shy away from the power of touch, the gift of tears, and when he is asked about the connection between sin and disease, he says quite abruptly that there is none.

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

Today’s Question

What stories from the Gospels come to mind when you think of Jesus touching other people? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus said] “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the [blind] man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
—John 9:5-7 (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 21, 2022 6:33 am

    Healing comes to mind. The blind see, the lame walk, the dead come back to life, mental illness is
    healed. Jesus’ garment stops bleeding. Thank You, Lord for all You did, do, and will do.
    Hopefully the leak in the church kitchen roof can be easily repaired. Off to meet a roofer this morning.
    Prayers and blessings to all. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted December 21, 2022 1:53 pm

    His touch must have been so calming, as I imagine His voice to be, as well. Him placing His hands on a blind person’s eyes – this is what first came to mind. I also see Him compassionately extending His hands to a leper.
    Made it to the end of exams – with about half of them graded. A student stopped by unexpectedly to do some make up work. This consumed some time I had not expected. And, there was a plethora of deposits – I will need to run to the bank after school, as the courier came through this morning before I had counted all the money and checks.
    I also have to go to the dentist after school. My MRI got approved. Was hoping to get in this week – but that was probably unrealistic. I will have it the day after I return from the beach.
    Bracing for the bitter cold arriving Friday. My nephews got my dad tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers game Friday evening. It will be dangerously cold and dad is a bit anxious about it. But he is also very excited. I am going up with him, my two nephews and my great nephew. It should be a good time, provided we are not impeded by the weather.
    Friday morning I am to play tennis with my “new” team from this past summer. It was so nice that one of them called me and asked me to join them. I also have to take the kittens to the vet for the first time Friday. All in the bitter cold. Sigh
    Ally – glad you have your tribe back under your roof.

  • Ally Posted December 21, 2022 5:21 pm

    The incident mentioned in today’s passage from John came to mind. Also when Jesus healed the child of Jairus. Great faith demonstrated. Jesus even healed when the person in need of healing touched him first, as the woman with the issue of blood did
    Home health nurse came to assess David and PT will come tomorrow. Thanks so much to my friends here for your prayers. I’m praying we all stay safe in this dangerous cold snap coming. Blessings to all.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *