G.I.F.T. 12-23-18

Growing In Faith Together
December 23 , 2018


TODAY’S TEXTS 
Micah 5:2-5a 
Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10 
Luke 1:39-45


GATHERED BY GRACE 
Christmas draws near. We glimpse the meaning of Jesus’ Coming.
Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How close do you come to “leaping for joy” when you recognize God’s presence in your life?
* Does your soul also magnify the Lord? How so? 
* In what ways do you share a place among the lowly? Because of this, what message does the Gospel hold for you?
* In what ways do you share a place among the rich and the powerful? Because of this, what message does the Gospel hold for you?

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 1:39-45
Monday Luke 2:1-20
Tuesday John 1:1-14
Wednesday Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
Thursday 1 John 5:1-12
Friday Isaiah 49:13-23
Saturday Psalm 20
Sunday Matthew 2:13-18

Next Sunday: Jeremiah 31:15-17; Psalm 124; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Matthew 2:13-18


PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.

Throughout the Day: I offer this day all that I am and all that I will be. 

Blessing to Share: Rejoice, God’s love is revealed.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Our hearts are full of hope: The Christ Child is coming.

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.
                             
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
My soul proclaims your greatness, Lord; I sing my Savior's praise! You looked upon my lowliness, and I am full of grace. Now ev'ry land and ev'ry age this blessing shall proclaim—great wonders you have done for me, and holy is your name.  (ELW 251).

Ritual:  
Each morning read 1st Thessalonians 3:12: May the Lord make you abound in love for one another and for all. Then at some point it your day, abound in love! 
Here are some ideas:
December 23: Put money in a Salvation Army bucket.
December 24: Feed the birds.
December 25: Give a smile to all you meet. Jesus is born!

Sing a Christmas carol each day through the Christmas season:
  December 26 – Sing “Joy to the World” 
  December 27 – Sing “Go Tell it on the Mountain”
  December 28 – Sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” 
  December 29 – Sing “O Come All Ye Faithful”

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday, December 28 at 1105 Gilbert Ct, IC.  Stop by and help anytime between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.

Not in town? Look around for another way to serve wherever you are. Soup kitchen? Food bank?

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245