December 25, 2016
TODAY’S TEXTS
Luke 2:8-20
Hebrews 1:1-4
Isaiah 9:2-7
John 1:1-14
GATHERED BY GRACE
On this Christmas morning, the people of God gather to celebrate the birth of the Word made flesh, Christ our Lord. Luke recounts the familiar story of shepherds and angels; John’s gospel tells of the Word that dwells among us, full of grace and truth. The meaning of Christmas is made clear: the light shines in the darkness. -Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress 2016
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday Luke 2:1-20
Monday Matthew 1:1-17
Tuesday Matthew 1:18-25
Wednesday John 1:1-18
Thursday Titus 2:11-15
Friday Hebrews 1:1-14
Saturday Psalm 98
Sunday Matthew 25:31-46
Next Sunday: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-6a; Matthew 25:31-46
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Thank you for the greatest gift of all: Jesus.
Throughout the Day: Gloria!.
A Blessing to Share:
May Christ who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth give you peace this Christmas and always.
For mealtime say responsively:
Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands: lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
Christmas Mealtime Prayer:
Sing this to the tune of “Away in a Manger”
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
These mercies bless and grant that we,
May strengthened for Thy service be.
Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Prayer for New Year’s Eve:
Stop for a moment on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to give thanks for the past year and to ask for God’s blessing upon the year to come.
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever—the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Christmas Ritual:
You can put away the Advent wreath, but keep out the Christmas candle, the Christ candle for the 12 days. It reminds us of the good news of God’s love that comes to us through Jesus. Light the Christ candle and pray: God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Amen
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has made a positive difference in your life this past year? Take some time this week to write thank you notes to these people. Say a prayer of thanks for them, asking God to bless and protect them in the year to come.