Today’s Reflection
Of course, we can get stuck in the past, hanging on to old hurts and slights, old wounds and disappointments, abuses and disasters. The prophets want us to remember the faithfulness of God in the past but not to linger there.
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
What do you need to let go of so that you can prepare for the new thing God is doing? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
—Isaiah 43:19 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Creator God, Give me wisdom to learn from the blessings, stresses, and sorrows of all that lies behind, and give me the strength and hope to press on to what lies ahead.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The Upper Room wishes you a blessed Christmas season and a new year filled with hope, joy, peace, and love. You can serve as a tangible reminder of these gifts by giving to support our ministries. Your tax-deductible gift, no matter the size, will impact lives around the world. Give today.
Lectionary Readings
- Jeremiah 31:7-14
- Psalm 147:12-20
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.