Today’s Reflection
How shall we enter the new year? . . . We enter filled with great expectations and a touch of worry. We enter with a bundle of hope and a measure of doubt; a bold new plan and a few details not yet conceived.
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
What will you carry with you into the New Year? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Don’t fear, because I am with you;
don’t be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
I will surely help you;
I will hold you
with my righteous strong hand.
—Isaiah 41:10 (CEB)
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
New Year’s Day
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
- Psalm 8
- Revelation 21:1-6a
- Matthew 25:31-46
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.