Online Ministry 1223 - 1227 2019

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy,
and gave us power to be your children.
Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us,
so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness
and walk in the way of peace. Amen.
  

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

80:1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
80:2 before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!
80:3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
80:4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
80:5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.
80:6 You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
80:7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
80:17 But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.
80:18 Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
80:19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
  

DAILY READINGS

Monday, December 23, 2019: Luke 1:46b-55; 2 Samuel 7:18, 23-29; Galatians 3:6-14
Tuesday, December 24 & 25, 2019: Nativity of the Lord - Proper I
Tuesday, December 24 & 25, 2019: Nativity of the Lord - Proper II
Tuesday, December 24 & 25, 2019: Nativity of the Lord - Proper III
Thursday, December 26, 2019: Psalm 148; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8
Friday, December 27, 2019: Psalm 148; Proverbs 8:22-31; 1 John 5:1-12
Saturday, December 28, 2019: Psalm 148; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14
Sunday, December 29, 2019: First Sunday after Christmas Day
  

ABUNDANT HEALTH

Support Makes All the Difference
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
  
Whether you are trying to move forward with your mental health (focus), grow spiritually (faith), make better choices when it comes to what you eat (food), or stay committed to an exercise program (fitness), community gives you the support we need (friends). Knowing you’re not alone, that others are cheering you on, will help keep you motivated. Giving that same support to others gives you joy and a sense of purpose.
—The Daniel Plan Team
   

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

God of mercy and compassion, as we bring our gifts this morning, we still bask in the warmth of celebrations of Christmas. Let us also remember this story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph fleeing as refugees at your direction to escape persecution in their homeland. We pray that the gifts we give and the lives we lead will offer compassion and welcome to your children, wherever they are in need. Amen.