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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

Several years ago, I went through a period of clinical depression. . . . During this time of struggle, I received comfort from those around me. They kept me safe, wrapping me in warm layers of love. They were God’s presence to me, giving me hope and filling me with light and life.

Today I remember the gifts of comfort I received during that difficult time, and I look for those who might need God’s comfort in their Advent of depression, illness, or grief.

—Beth A. Richardson, The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas (Upper Room Books, 2009)

Today’s Question

Who might need God’s comfort this week? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Dear friends, if God loved us this way, we also ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.
—1 John 4:11-12 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Clear away the clutter, O God, that I might have more room for you.
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. With a tax-deductible donation of any size, you will impact lives throughout the world.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted December 23, 2021 8:26 am

    Sorry, but the first person that came to mind was myself. I have no one to support me in this way and I am flying blind through so much right now.
    Prayers for Ally’s Covid test to be negative and for her disability application to receive a positive response. Prayers for David’s and Jeremy’s ongoing health issues. Prayers for Roger as Jill performs another sugar curve for him. Prayers for Lou and Gail and their families. Prayers for Robert, may he arrive safely at his daughter’s home. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Ally Posted December 23, 2021 9:36 am

    Sometimes, we are the ones who need comfort. All of the burdens I carry feel heavy today. Waiting on the washing machine repairman. Please pray it is an easy fix. Then getting the oil changed in the car. Jeremy seems to be doing well, but as we are going to Alabama for Christmas, I did not feel comfortable leaving him. He’s boarding at the vets until Monday. I hate to leave my boy. My covid test was negative. Am thankful for that. I really miss my parents today.
    Julie, I know I’m far away, but I send you love. You are not alone. Robert, praying for your family as you prepare for Christmas. Jill, prayers for little Roger. Still praying for his health to be restored. Praying you enjoy Christmas with your family and your beach trip.
    It seems the holidays magnify what we are missing. I pray that in the midst, we can find comfort and joy. Love to all.

  • Jill Posted December 23, 2021 11:27 am

    My friend who walked beside me during my diagnosis – she and her family are away from home this holiday. Her daughter checked into a renowned rehab facility yesterday. My friend’s one son and his wife are flying in to the city – and they will be there for Christmas together. Her other newlywed son and wife are unable to join them. I can’t imagine the difficulty of walking away from her daughter yesterday as she entered the program. Communication will be at an absolute minimum, but they may get to see her on Christmas. Only the Lord’s strength will see them through this. I had sent cards ahead of their arrival to the hotel. Hope they can bring a moment of encouragement.
    Little patient Roger is being a pretty good patient this morning. Most draws have gone smoothly, numbers still discouragingly high. I received my Shingrix booster today, hoping for no side effects.
    My god son is not feeling well. Thankfully a covid test came back negative this morning. Not sure to what extent I will see them tomorrow. I have to get Roger to them sometime, either tomorrow evening or on Christmas day.
    Ally – safe travels for you and David, and may little Jeremy have an ok time at the vet while you are away. Julie – in the midst of all right now, I pray there will be moments of peace and reflection on this season. May you and Megan enjoy each others company.

  • robert moeller Posted December 23, 2021 9:56 pm

    I prayed for church members, add my prayers for the many important concerns and needs expressed in your posts. This has been a good day, but my schedule is very out of kilter Julie, Ally, and Jill, God is with you ,no better one to have at your side/ Christmas blessings to all of you in the NEM family. Thank you for your prayers. Stay safe, travel well. Merry Christmas!

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