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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 CHRIST CHILD—hope incarnate—is the center of our corporate hope, the trust that this year, in this time and place, we will be transformed by hope. Hope opens closed hearts to love and forgiveness. Hope opens stagnant institutions to new possibilities for justice and restoration. Hope opens the barred doors of hatred and violence and allows new growth in barren war zones. We, children of God, children of hope, open our lives, relationships,
communities, and countries to the transformation that comes from hope. Come, Christ; come, life; come, hope.

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

Today's Question

How has hope transformed your life?  

Today's Scripture

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
—Romans 15:13 (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

Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. Give it a try. Color as you pray this Advent season.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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