Christmas Lights

Devotional Guide

December 9-16th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

Heavenly power of creation and love, I approach your presence with joy and wonder. What will this day contain? What blessings await to be uncovered. As I discover all that is concealed in this day may I be faithful and open to see all the miraculous workings of your hand upon my life and in the world around.

·         Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

·         Prayers for Healing, guidance, comfort, mercy

·         Prayers of thanksgiving and appreciation

·         meditation of this week’s scripture, Visio Divina, Lectio Divina

Guide me into the gloriousness of life, the season of anticipation and grace. Lead me to see and be your love in the world.  Amen

         Photo Credit

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images.

This image portrays the centrality of being still, waiting for and listening for God.

Do you take time to rest and contemplate the meaning of the manger, Christ, Spirit, God?

Does the play of light bring any thoughts?

How do you view Christmas through this image?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer

I have a special memory of spending time with my Dad at Christmas time. We would just sit in the darkened room and look at our decorated Christmas tree. As a child it held so much magic and anticipation to the coming of Santa and Christmas morning.

As an adult the contemplation has changed to wonder of God’s love. His gift of grace is so much more than toys, computers, and clothes. His gift is life, peace, and joy. Phones get exchanged, toys break, and clothes wear and fade. But the gift of God in Christ is renewed every Christmas. The unfailing wonder of grace given to the darkened heart. The gift to live in the light of God’s loving promise of glorious life now and forever.    Ann

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

Jesus, child of the manger man of grace I take this time to pray. I pause to regain my center. I stop to focus on the gift of love given through your life. I pause to remember the wonder of your power and the immensity of God’s grace given through you. May I serve you in wonder and love as I cradle you in my heart. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

PRAYER

Father of all life I pray to you as the day comes to an end. I think of all my failings to share your love through my life today. I confess my selfish moments and decisions. I seek your forgiveness and love to bathe me clean before sleep turns night into morning. Cradle me in your love and sing to my soul that I may have the dreams of beauty and sweetness that inspire a deeper love for you. Set within me the trust and hope I need to live in love and wonder as the new day begins. Amen