Growing In Faith Together
December 19, 2021TODAY’S TEXTS
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45
GATHERED BY GRACE
Elizabeth and Mary greet each other with joy. John and Jesus do the same from within their mothers. The four active and responsive bodies in this text remind us that this is the incarnation itself unfolding. God becomes a body in Jesus, and that body will be offered up for the sake of the world. This body, recognized already by John in the womb, will eventually undergo the suffering and shame of death on a cross. -Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2020
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
Tuesday John 1:1-14
Wednesday Micah 4:1-5
Thursday Micah 4: 6-8
Friday Luke 2:1-20
Saturday John 1:1-14
Sunday Luke 2:41-52
Next Sunday: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
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. Amen
Blessing to Share: Rejoice, God’s love is revealed.
For mealtime say responsively:
Our hearts are full of hope: The Christ Child is coming.
Advent Mealtime Prayer:
Our hearts are full of hope: The Christ Child is coming.
Advent Mealtime Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,And let thy gifts to us be blessed.Blest be God, who is our Bread.May all the world be clothed and fed.
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).
Advent 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 in the day, abound in love!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
So many ways to remember those in need this holiday: Shelter House, CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, Domestic Violence Intervention Project, Houses into Homes.
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).
Advent 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 in the day, abound in love!
SCATTERED TO SERVE
So many ways to remember those in need this holiday: Shelter House, CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, Domestic Violence Intervention Project, Houses into Homes.
If you go to “Giving” on our website you can donate to ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Water To Thrive, and, especially after this past weekend’s tornado outbreak, Lutheran Disaster Response.