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Today’s Reflection
THANK YOU, blessed Lord, for sending us songs in the midnight of our lives. When we feel discouraged and tired, we rest beside the road and hear the angels sing. Amen.
– Richard Morgan
Settling In
From page 46 of Settling In: My First Year in a Retirement Community by Richard Morgan. Copyright © 2006 by Richard Morgan. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Pray today’s prayer. Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46-47, NRSV
This Week: Pray for joy. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
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This week we remember: Peter Casinius (December 21).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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In order to continue receiving Upper Room Daily Reflections after January 1, 2019, please confirm your subscription here.
11 Comments
What a beautiful prayer!
Yes, thank you blessed Lord!
May the presence of the Lord be with each of us!
Blessings!
Beautiful- yes. We only need listen for the sound of the angels- for our Lord’s voice speaking to us. Often I can let the noise of this world drown that out.
Speak Lord for your servant is listening.
Help us to listen only to you – not the doubt and confusion that surrounds us.
Grateful to have all 3 kids for dinner two nights in a row- grateful for their company and peace in my home. Grateful for the safe travels for my daughter and the positive energy she brings. Grateful for the prayers and sharing of this group. Grateful for small things like my beautiful outdoor and indoor Christmas lights that are all still up and working as Christmas is almost here- usually something has gone out by now!
Grateful during this season that can be difficult and lonely for many that I have the hugs and physical presence of my children. Thank you Lord.
Prayers for all who come here today.
Yes, during our midnights – there is the song of the faithful angels, those in heaven and those on earth. May we dare to lift our voices, tho not strong, and maybe not harmonious, in praise to our King. For He is good.
Lou – thanks for beginning my morning with the news of you being surrounded by your 3 children – I am happy for you. May your time together be richly blessing.
I am grateful to think of the two weeks plus of unhurried mornings, time to sit, dwelling in the serenity, resting in my Saviour.
This brief reflection goes very deep, the music of Christmas feels so good, I am so glad to hear, sing, and share it. A very receptive and welcoming audience at homes in the area made singing very positive. The 4th Advent Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are very near. The joy of Christmas, Emanuel, God with us descends. Hark! The herald angels sing.
Thankful for the good news from Lou, children safely home, Christmas decorations working, all gathered and safely in.
Yes, Mary the presence of the Lord is and will be with us.
Lots of rain here yesterday and still going today, the brook is running very fast with brown muddy water. The temperature was warm yesterday, supposed to cool down, with possible snow.
Prayers for all of the UR family At Christmas, the Lord came many years ago, resides in the hearts of believers, and will come again. Peace be with you,
Thank You, Lord.
Yes, Connie, a very helpful sustaining verse Ephesians 3:20 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. Good keeps those who keep God in their hearts.
Jill this is one of those years when Christmas and New Year vacation lasts long. What a blessing.
Julie, prayers for you as you deal with the scent that causes breathing problems. Thank you for your prayers so carefully written for many UR family members. You help us with our own prayers. God’s peace and comfort to you.
Yes, at each life stage God sends us what we need to know He is near and that He travels with us no matter our physical limitations.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they have a wonderful Christmas together and may Erich continue to heal.
Prayers for Mary and her family, I pray she has finished making and buying all her gifts.
Prayers for Jill as she recharges during her winter break.
Prayers for Loua and her children as they draw together to celebrate Christmas as well as their family ties.
Prayers for Connie and may her physical and emotional pain be healed.
Prayers for Betsy as she travels.
Prayers for April and her family as they embody the true heart of Christnas.
Prayers for Marcy, may her physical health improve so she can truly enjoy our Saviour’s birth.
I have ordered better fitting face masks as it seems this is my new normal for life. I will travel to my hometown for Christmas so I will have a reprieve. The h is using his mother’s furniture so it will always be here exuding the overwhelming scent.
Prayers dear UR family
Julie, I have allergies and fragrance sensitivities, too. My doctor has given me two prescriptions and, in addition, recommended I take a zyrtec on an as needed basis if I’m going to be in an environment with triggers (for example, my daughter’s house is home to a dog and an indoor cat). I am happy to hear you will not be around the husband for Christmas and I wish you a peaceful, calm celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Songs, hymns, music….there is something about these works of art that goes beyond the words and connects us all. This year I have been on the email thread from a gal that is basing her devotions on the hymns of Christmas as she tells the stories of how and when and who wrote them. Some are old and some are more modern and then includes a youtube so we can hear them being sung. I used to play the organ for church as would sing along as I practiced….and now I remember those words and can sing along in the middle of the night when I awake…I love it but have never thought I might be singing with the angels too.
I am so sorry for the air quality in your home Julie with the lingering perfume on the new furniture. When I was younger and would go to Lady’s Aide I had a hard time sitting beside some of the women who sprayed on the perfume. It finally got so bad that they declared these meetings were be “green” meaning no perfumes. Glad that you have a mask.
So wonderful to read that Lou had all three of her children at the table together for 2 meals…I am hoping that will happen soon with us, and the kids are too!! If Lou and I are feeling grateful about this, I can’t imagine how blessed God would be if all of his kids were all together at the table too.
Wishing each UR sister/brother a virtual hug and sharing the Blessings of Christmas in song, thought and prayer as we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, Our Savior.
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. I am surrounded by Angels in my life.
Lou, none of our lights have gone out either-a Christmas Miracle!
Let His light shine! It is a small but happy thing – blessings and peace to you.
The holy choral music of Christmas is the highpoint of Advent for me and the decorations and lights that brighten neighborhoods. Christmas Eve and Day – being with my loved ones, sitting down to the special meal, the joy of giving gifts. With prayers for UR friends, may joy be the hallmark of Advent and Christmas for all of you.
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