Well, we are now a week before Christmas. There’s still time –time to look as those catalogs – no, not the ones with stuff, but the ones that offer promise, the real promise of the kingdom. There’s Heifer, Save the Children, and for the ones where there must be something tangible, National Wildlife Federation’s stuffed animals, birds, and even frogs. (I hope they’re not made in China)
Many houses in the neighborhoods now have lights, some tasteful, others garish The lights are everywhere, including Bethlehem, where the mosque at the one end of Manager Square has lights as well, for Muslims celebrate Jesus’ birth as well, viewing him as a prophet who preached a message of love and justice.
The nights are getting longer, and even though this past week has been warmer than usual, the nights are chilly, in fact, soon downright cold. We’ll bundle up, have a soup to warm our insides, and ask ourselves how we can bring a measure to joy to those who have lost homes, family, and friends. The answers are clear. Sharing our Christmas joy with organizations helping others. That’s what Christmas is all about.
Prayer for the Day
Architect of your grace, help us come together as a people
To live your promise of justice given us through the One;
Framer of our existence, help us to share your mercy
With those who are in sorrow and despair.
Sustainer of the weary, empower us to be instruments
Of your righteousness and love to the despairing.
In the name of him who is your instrument of justice and mercy,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.
- Charles Dickens, English novelist (1812-1870)
It seems a peculiar thing when I go to fill my own cup; it remains empty as if the liquid evaporates as soon as it touches the glass. Yet when I reach to top off the cups of others, my own spills over.
- Richelle E. Goodrich, writer
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out m path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
Psalm 139: 1-4