Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” God loves us so much He sends His son to love and save and free us. A band of angels come to share the blessing with people who might not otherwise get the word.

God wants all the world to know He is with us. However, like the shepherds, once we have heard the Good News it becomes our job and our joy to spread it to everyone, everywhere. He calls us to be part of His plan of salvation by passing the Word to all our brothers and sisters that they might be saved.

God is at work in our world through us today and every day. We are charged with nothing less than being representatives of His kingdom. Listen for His guidance, look for the opportunities He provides and share the blessing you have received.

Loving Lord, we are amazed that You choose to be part of our lives, present with us to show us Your way. May we live for You, proclaiming the wonder of Your goodness and the joy of our connection. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

How does God call you? Most of us don’t get the Heavenly host appearing or the bright star that guides us, but God continues to speak to us in many different ways. We must simply be listening for His voice.

God calls us now and every day to be aware of the needs of those around us. In the troubled times we now experience it is essential that we pay attention. We may not be interacting in our communities as we have before and must look for those who require assistance.

We mustn’t be so deaf that it takes an angel chorus to get our attention, or so blind that a star has to shine before we can see the issues in our world. Look for ways to share God’s love and gifts right where you are. He has work for every one of us.

Gracious God, thank You for sending Jesus to love and save us. Help us to be aware of those who need our care, that we may be the face of Christ to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said,“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Angels came down to announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds. These folks were the lowest of the low in Jewish society, only slightly above Samaritans and Gentiles. Yet God invited them first, called them specifically to come and see the newborn king. He wanted them to know they were included.

Later wise and wealthy visitors from far away would come to see Jesus. They were not of the Jewish faith, but God inspired and led them to be included as well. He wanted everyone, rich and poor, residents and foreign, to hear of the coming of the savior.

God calls everyone to the manger, and later to the cross. He wants us to understand the gift we have received and the obligation we accept in Christ. Relationship and responsibility are unbreakably joined in the coming of His kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your presence through Christ our Lord. Help us to be joyful and aware, gladly performing the tasks You have for us. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New International Version ( NIV).

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they aspread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

We know the story, we read and hear it every year at Christmas. We shake our heads sadly at the difficult journey to Bethlehem and the awful conditions they endured. We certainly would have found a better place for the Savior’s coming, or so we tell ourselves.

The story of Christ’s birth in a stable is part of our annual celebration, but do we keep the glow of the Nativity in our hearts after we put away the decorations? If it only lasts a week, we haven’t learned the lesson Jesus came to teach us. It was intended to change our lives, that we might become the people God created us to be.

Remembering the story is important but making it part of our lives is essential. Jesus came to show us the joy of a relationship with God. As we hear the words this year, may we find new meaning and seek new ways to share the blessing of Christmas in the world.

Loving Lord, our understanding is incomplete and our action is weak. Help us to know Your love and pass it on to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

God has made special promises called covenants with His people throughout history. He gave us the earth to manage in His name, but we didn’t uphold our part of the covenant and could no longer live directly in His presence. He made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. In all of these God showed His love for us and pointed us to a future with Him.

Through Mary, God came to be with us as the baby Jesus. The people He created had turned away from Him, but He didn’t abandon us to sin and death. He came to be one of us that we might know His love and be saved.

God reaches out to each of us, making a new covenant with us personally. He has never given up on us, even when we went our own way. Hear His call on your life, feel the joy of being connected with Him, and go tell the Good News, spreading His love to everyone.

Gracious God, in Your love and mercy You came to us in order that we might know You and walk in Your way. Fill us with the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Your arrival, renew us and send us forth to proclaim Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).

And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Have you ever noticed how people in scripture react to a call from God? In Exodus 3:11 Moses says “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Not exactly an enthusiastic response, but one to which we can certainly relate. It is hard to think that God wants to use us for His divine purposes.

Others called by God react similarly, some out of fear, some merely disbelieving that God would ever speak to them. Mary however, responds differently. Granted, she is surprised, but instead of listing reasons why God shouldn’t choose her, she says “Let it be with me according to Your word” (Luke 1:38).

Mary is an example for us in her acceptance of God’s task and how she reacts. She not only says yes, she thanks and praises God for choosing her. May we hear and obey His call on our lives joyfully as well.

Loving Lord, we are amazed that You ask us to be part of Your work in the world. Thank You for loving and including us in Your plan of salvation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Mary’s song of praise has several lessons for us, all of which speak of God’s love and glory, but also our relationship with Him. She says “He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart” (v. 51) to tell us that we have accomplished nothing in our own strength, but only through God’s help. The sin of pride in what we have and do is one of our biggest stumbling blocks.

Often we see people who are not giving God the credit for success, and on the other end of the scale not asking for help when needed. Sometimes “they” are us. We must thank Him when we prosper and call on Him when we are in trouble.

God wants to provide and care for us but we must be in connection with Him for that to happen. Without a relationship we wander lost and alone. God’s love is always waiting for us to say “yes, Lord” and accept the grace and mercy He has in store for us.

Wise and wonderful God, we are thankful for Your many blessings. Help us to show our gratitude by sharing Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.

As Mary offers praise she says “He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty” (v. 53). I have always been a little confused about scripture that speaks about the rich. Does God say it is wrong to have money?

Passages such as the story of the Rich Young Man might lead us to think this. Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23). He warns us that those who have resources often look to their own strength rather than to God.

It’s not a matter of wealth, as much as how we obtained it and what we do with it. God blesses those who trust in Him, earn an honest living and help others as Jesus taught. When we use our money well, for the work of His kingdom, we are truly rich.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for all the wonderful gifts You have provided for us. Help us to be good stewards of Your blessings, using them as You intend. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

God wanted us to understand His love so much, He was willing to become human in order to reach us. Everyone expected a marvelous Messiah, a king like David who would lead them to throw off the oppression of Rome and rule in might. However, that’s not what God has in mind.

He came as a human child, born into a poor family in a backwater village. There was no special provision made for Him. He needed the love and care of those around Him and by that experience taught us to love and care for others.

Jesus comes to us as one of us, not a superhuman but a plain, everyday, just like us person. He wants us to see that we are all special to God and He loves each of us eternally. Take this love and make it part of you, that through your life others may know the joy of God with us.

Loving Lord, we are grateful that You are willing to be with us, teaching and guiding us. Help us to share Your love with all the world, that everyone may be blessed. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 1:46-55, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations. He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed. He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, just as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.

What does it mean to be blessed? If it is the gift of good things according to human standards, Mary has certainly received a mixed blessing – a young unmarried pregnant woman in that society would not be “highly favored” as she says. It would be a difficult situation.

Yet Mary praises God for what He has done. Earlier in Luke’s account, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary what is to happen, she replies “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Mary understood that this blessing was not really for her, but for the whole world, and she accepts the responsibility that requires.

God blesses us to be a blessing to others as well. We are given gifts to be shared with all His children. May we respond with acceptance and praise as Mary did.

Gracious God, we often forget our responsibility to You and to our brothers and sisters here. Help us to see the needs of the world and use the blessings You have given us to share Your love with everyone. Amen.