G.I.F.T. 12-29-19

Growing In Faith Together  
December 29, 2019


TODAY’S TEXTS 
Isaiah 63:7-9
Psalm 148
Hebrews 2:10-18 
Matthew 2:13-23

GATHERED BY GRACE 
As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world. Its light brings hope as we walk with all the "holy innocents" who have suffered and do suffer unjustly. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
What gracious deeds has God performed for you? 
What message does the Gospel story bring to you?
What are the tyrannies and powers that stand against Christ today?
Who gets caught in the middle today?

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 Matthew 2:13-23
Monday Psalm 20:1-4
Tuesday 1 Kings 3:5-9
Wednesday Philippians 2:5-11
Thursday Psalm 72:1-7
Friday Exodus 3:1-6
Saturday Hebrews 12:1-2
Sunday Matthew 2:1-12

Next Sunday: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Lord Jesus, I put my trust in you.  

Throughout the Day: Thank you for gift of Jesus, our Savior.

Blessing to Share: Go in peace. Christ is with you.

For Mealtime Say Responsively: 
It was no messenger or angel that saved them: it was his presence.

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  
Prayer for New Year’s Eve: 
Stop for a moment on New Year’s Eve or 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: 
Sing a Christmas carol each day through the twelve days of Christmas season. You might know the words, or look them up with an online search engine! Don’t know the tune? It’ll be online too!
  December 30 – Sing “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
  December 31 – Sing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” 
  January 1 – Sing “What Child is This”
  January 2 – Sing “Away in the Manger” 
  January 3 – Sing “Silent Night, Holy Night”
  January 4 – Sing “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
  January 5 – Sing “Your Little Ones Dear Lord”

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.

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