Tuesday, December 20, 2022

The theme this last week of Advent is supposed to be love, but many in the world see little love: the people in Ukraine holding on in the midst of constant Russian shelling and attacks; desperate migrants fleeing poverty and/or repression risking all to either cross into Europe or the border with Mexico; Somalis caught in a terrible drought.

We have the opportunity to show God’s love through giving to organizations helping those mentioned above and the many others feeling hopeless, cold, and hungry. We can continue to support World Central Kitchens feeding people here at home and in other parts of the world.  

Save the Children has a host of gift offerings from high-nutrient peanut paste to restore health to children suffering from malnutrition to support or educating orphans.  As we think about Christmas and gifts, let’s give gifts for a better, more loving world.

Prayer for the Day

Singing the old familiar carols of Christmas, O God,
   Let us remember their meaning beyond Christmas Day;
Hearing the voices of the displaced, the cold, and the hungry,
   Let us extend the gifts of your life and love to all.
Touch our hearts in a new way so that we truly reflect
   The possibilities of a world giving love and care to all.
In the name of the One who came to show us your love,
   Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Thoughts for the Day

Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.  Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
     - The Grinch, from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.
     - Dale Evans, American actress, singer, song writer (1912-2001)

O, give thanks to the Lord, for the steadfast love of God endures forever.
   O give thanks to the God of gods, for the steadfast love of God endures forever
God alone does great wonders, and the steadfast love of God endures forever;
  Who by understanding made the heavens, for the love of God endures forever;
Who spread out the earth on the waters, for the love of God endures forever;
    Who made the great lights, for the steadfast love of God endures forever;
The sun to rule over the day … and the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    For the steadfast love of God endures forever. – Psalm 136: 1-7 (abridged)