Candles of Hope
Today's Reflection
Many churches choose the longest night to invite those with losses, plus family and friends, to come for a time of worship. Usually the services include readings from scripture and prayers, but a common element of most is the lighting of candles. Even in the darkest time of year, when sadness wraps its arms around us tight, we can gather to light candles of memory and candles of hope. Liturgy affirms that God is a God who knows our grief and invites us to walk through the valley of death, loss, and grief. We do not escape the valleys in our lifetime, but scripture points to moving through grief with the courage to mourn.
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today's Question
How does your church support people in moving through grief?
Today's Scripture
“God heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.”
—Psalm 147:3 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Hallelujah! God is with us. 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)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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