Even though we have had over 4,000 new Covid cases for the twelfth time in three weeks, the numbers are down somewhat and we continue as a people to prepare for Christmas. The stores are more than half full and people are buying this, that, and the other thing. And the morning is cold, reminding us we are not in June anymore.
Christmas on the underside, that area below the Equator, occurs in warmer climates, of course, but many of the customs are the same: A Christmas tree and worship services focused on having hope, building peace, and finding joy.
We look for hope in what the world calls little things, but often are not so little for us. As we continue this week, may we remember that hope is how we live not just a word.
Prayer for the Day
We look for you, O God, in the early morning,
And hope to find you throughout our day.
We need the assurance of your presence in our lives,
But realize it will only come through living your good news.
You, O Lord, are the source of our hope;
Help us to share it with others.
In the name of him who gives us hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.
Charles Dickens English novelist (1812-1870)
Good works is giving to the poor and the helpless, but divine works is showing them their worth to the One who matters.
Criss Jami, American writer
For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up;
But it is God who executes judgment putting down one and lifting up another
Psalm 75: 6-7