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.
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?
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?