Daily Devotional Guide

December 17-24th, 2017

https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/twelve-ways-to-make-the-ultimate-baby-photo-holiday-card

VISIO DIVINA 

is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul

to connect with God through images.

What does this image speak to you about your joy?

How do you express your joy?

What does this picture say about Christmas stress?

Do you find joy in the Lord?

Prayer

MORNING

     Steely sky opens to filtered light of days dawning.

The winter world covered in white is silent beneath its shroud of snow.

Lord of perfect peace I pray in this day’s beginning for your graciousness and merciful love to inspire my thoughts and actions that I may grow in perfect love for you and others. I pray you use my life to bring warmth to others on this winter day. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION

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

The Grinch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas has been a favorite book and animated Christmas special for me. It is a modern-day telling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Scrooge is now the Grinch set within the wild imaginings of Dr. Seuss. Little Cindy Lou Who and his dog Max embody the joy and innocence of Christmas. Cindy’s innocence and trust and Max’s smiling face with lolling tongue represent all that the Grinch has lost. In this Christmas time of preparation and expectation what has been lost that jades you toward God, Christ, and Christmas? Commercialism is taken head on in “The Grinch” as a misunderstood basis to the joy found at Christmas It is in a life celebrated in Christ veiled in love of family that brings the joy we seek. I am reminded this year that the names Scrooge, and Grinch describe those who are bitter.  But, both characters emerge from their darkness. The Grinch is happy and repentant and changed. Scrooge also is enlightened into joyous understanding of Christmas. Both these stories remind us what is most important. The love of God that pierced all darkness when he was born in Jesus our savior.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

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

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

 Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                

love of neighbor -Monday          

humility -Tuesday                      

self-denial -Wednesday and Friday 

resignation and meekness -  Thursday 

and thanksgiving - Saturday                        

_{Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People Called Methodist}

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…...

BENEDICTION

    Lord of flake and sun, you inspire my joy in the beauty of

this day, in life, in the challenges and rewards in serving and sharing the knowledge and experiences of your grace. Guide me beyond this time of prayer to the path you have set before me that I may walk in your truth and love. Amen

  

DAYTIME

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.

     Father of soul and thought I come to pause within the folds of your grace. Wrap me in the tenderness of your light and Spirit. Remind my rambling brain to the joy of you my God found in Jesus.  Slice away the trivialities I have made important and center my thoughts upon your love. Amen

EVENING

     The winter night asserts itself quickly. Hastening the stars to shine in its inky blackness night begins its long expanse of time. In this time of longer nights teach me of the hope found in your light of star and moon. Help me see the beauty in the challenges of winter and the challenges in growing in love to you and others. Teach me to recognize my failings and embrace your truth and forgiveness that I may hold a deeper faith and tread within the deepest snow with greater love. Amen

Questions for Day that has Past 

It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present in our faith and expressive in sharing God’s grace. These questions are in response to what God begins within us. God is the force we respond to. God is first. We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?

How will I love God more tomorrow?

Did I love others and share the beauty of God?

Was I generous with my time and resources?

Did I grow in faith?

Did I grow in love for God and others today?

Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?

Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?

Did I love God through creative praise?

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

BENEDICTION

     Father of deepest comfort and enduring peace, grant me the warmth and restful sleep this night. I give you my regrets, my discouragement, my expectations, and my failures. Forgive me for all you have provided that I have failed to see. Lead me in the way of Christ and love. I pray all these that I may rest in peaceful and beautiful dreams of your grace. Amen

 

  

http://www.chud.com/articles/content_images/117/GRINCHHD5.jpg

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!