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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

A word of truth spoken at the right time, in the right spirit, can change everything about us and about our lives. It’s like the clear, pure sound of a trumpet rising above a noisy crowd.

The song the shepherds heard on the first Christmas announcing the good news of the Savior was that sort of sound. Advent reminded us to watch and work for the time when the song of the angels would become the song the whole world sings. We waited for fulfillment of the promise. Sometimes it felt as if the wrong sound would drown out everything else. But then somehow, somewhere deep within, we began to hear the gentle hum that reminds us God is always at work. This hum is what the Bible calls hope.

—James A. Harnish, “The Sound of Hope,” Light of Lights: Advent Devotions from The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide, compiled and edited by Robin Pippin (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

What words spoken by the angel to the shepherds fill you with hope? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The angel said [to the shepherds], “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.”
—Luke 2:10-12 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

O God, during this season give us eyes to see all around us signs of Christ’s love breaking into the world. Amen. —Prayer by Diane Luton Blum
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Christmastime is not always merry and bright. Whether grieving a recent loss or feeling the sting of an old wound, many people have moments of darkness and sorrow during this season. Join us in praying for those who are hurting 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.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 18, 2023 5:38 am

    “Your Savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.” It’s the best news anyone could hear.

    Here is my post based on your posts. Thank you!

    Ally, hope your bronchitis is getting better, yes, I too wonder how Mary and Joseph felt after the news from
    the angel. Blessings to you and David.

    April, that’s a wonderful pastor’s blessing, thank you. Caregiver prayers for you.

    Jill, wonderful things to offer Jesus: your focus, a contrite heart, the desire to be molded by the Lord..
    I think the God provided opportunities are in answer to your prayer. Your experience s with grief and cancer
    certainly will help you. Prayers for successful surgery. A blessing to see your godson play basketball.

    Julie, yes, two kings, but one above the other. King Charles acknowledges Jesus as Lord. Yes, Jrsus had to come as He did to fulfill His task to save us. That’s an interesting way to tell the Good News with your pastor portraying different people in the Christmas story. I’m glad church is a resting place for your soul and brings you joy. Prayers for you as a caregiver.

    Rusty, I like understanding metanoia as , change of mind, repentance. Yes, love matters most! Carols at this time of year are always a blessing. Prayers for bronchitis recovery. Yes, our current situation and being a Christian certainly is difficult. God will help us make our way.

    Advent blessings, prayers for all of you through Christmas and into the New Year. Thank You, Lord.

  • Rusty Posted December 18, 2023 8:28 am

    “Behold! I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.“ (King James and Linus Van Pelt versions. 😌)

    Robert, thank you! What a delightful and encouraging anthology of caring thoughts and well wishes. A most blessed Advent season to you, as well!

  • Julie Posted December 18, 2023 9:45 am

    “Do not be afraid. ”
    I tend to be fearful most of the time.
    Thank you, Robert for your kind words. Blessings to you as well.

  • Ally Posted December 18, 2023 5:08 pm

    “Fear not”, “do not be afraid”. I am often fearful. I wonder if Mary and Elizabeth felt fear at times, even though the angel brought them messages of joy. How did they receive them? Their faith was great.
    David and I are on the mend. We are thankful to be getting past this sickness. Praying all are doing well. Robert, thank you for your prayers for us. Rusty, I pray you are recovering. Julie, praying that we can both overcome our fears.

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