Lectionary for December 9, 2021 Selections - Amos 9:1-10, Revelation 2:8-17, Matthew 23:13-26, Morning and Evening Psalms

Philippians 1:9-11 – And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Imagine the physical labor required to harvest a field or vineyard in biblical times. With fewer opportunities for movement in today’s world, you must be intentional about incorporating exercise into your routine. Add steps to your day today. Walk to a coworker’s desk rather then sending another email, or park in a space further from the entrance.

From the Episcopal Church - BLESS - Call or write a letter to a family member with whom you would like to have a closer relationship. Make plans in the new year to chat on the phone or meet over Zoom or in person. Let them know how much you love them and look forward to knowing them better.

Prayer
God of the harvest, allow me opportunities to sow seeds of justice, honesty, virtue and decency. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 10, 2021 Selections - Haggai 1:1-15, Revelation 2:18-29, Matthew 23:27-39, Morning and Evening Psalms

Luke 3:3-4 – [John the Baptist] went into all the regions around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

If time and weather permit, consider changing the location of your walk today. Walk a new path and imagine you are John the Baptist walking in the wilderness. How does your life proclaim, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord?’ Consider praying for your neighborhood as you walk today.

From the Episcopal Church - TURN - Where did you struggle this week? Do you have amends or apologies or adjustments you need to make? Ask God to open your heart and mind to those opportunities for reconciliation and growth. Thank God for the gifts of mercy and love, and the courage to make the changes necessary. And then do your best, with God’s help, to make those changes.

Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for giving strength to my voice so that I might better proclaim your truth. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 11, 2021 Selections - Haggai 2:1-19, Revelation 3:1-6, Matthew 24:1-14, Morning and Evening Psalm

Luke 3:5-6 - “’Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Have you ever walked in mud, loose gravel or a dry, sandy beach and noticed how quickly you get tired? Compare that vision to one of walking on a gymnasium floor or a freshly paved road. Are there people in your life whose faith is like walking on loose gravel? Pray for guidance so that you might help them find a firmer footing.

From the Episcopal Church - "REST" - Set aside 30 minutes to spend in silence with your best friend today. Sure, it may feel a little weird to be silent on th phone or while sitting next to each other on the couch or across the table. Just give it a try. Make sure to set aside time after your silence t pray for each other and to say thanks for the time of rest.

Prayer
Loving God, help me be a better voice of your will, of your message, of your peace. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 12, 2021 Selections - Zephaniah 3:14-20, Canticle 9 The First Song of Isaiah Ecce, Deus Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18

Zephaniah 3:15 – The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.

As you walk today, walk with an attitude of confidence even if you lack it yourself. God wants you to live with confidence in yourself and in the promises God has made for you. Pray today for God to remove unneeded anxiety from your life.

From the Episcopal Church - WORSHIP - Imagine the faces you’d like to see at church — an all-star list of folks you want to worship with. This could be people you know from summer camp when you were a kid, people who might have already died, people you work with — all your favorites. Commit to pray for those folks this week. And make a commitment to ask one of your all-stars to come to church with you in the next month

Prayer
Almighty God, help me remember that you are always shouldering burdens with me, so that I am never alone. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 13, 2021 Selections - Zechariah 1:7-17, Revelation 3:7-13, Matthew 24:15-31, Morning and Evening Psalms

Zephaniah 3:16 – On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.

Whether you are praying or helping a neighbor, your hands are an important element in your service to God and others. Make a fist as tight as you are able, then spread your hands as wide as you can. If this does not hurt, repeat it several times throughout the day.

From the Episcopal Church - GO - Take a new or different route to work, or school, or out to run errands. See how using a different route requires you to see the world differently — to pay a different kind of attention. What do you notice along the way that makes you stop and take a second look? Does anything on this new route inspire your faith journey or remind you of lessons learned?

Prayer
Gracious God, I thank you today for hands that can serve you in a variety of ways. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 14, 2021 Selections - Zechariah 2:1-13, Revelation 3:14-22, Matthew 24:32-44, Morning and Evening Psalms

Zephaniah 3:19 – I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

Everyone comes in contact with outcasts, even if the outcast in your life is just the awkward and insecure person who makes people uncomfortable whenever he or she is around. Do you interact with such people in positive ways or do you help add to their feelings of separation?

From the Episcopal Church - LEARN - Read Luke 1:59-80. When Zechariah’s speech returns, he praises God. If you lost the power to speak for nine months like Zechariah did, what would be your first word of praise? Share this with your family, friends, and on social media.

Prayer
Understanding God, help me see your imprint on each person who comes before me this day. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 15, 2021 Selections - Zechariah 3:1-10,Revelation 4:1-8, Matthew 24:45-51, Morning and Evening Psalms

Isaiah 12:2-3 – Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Imagine a time when you were very thirsty, maybe even dehydrated. As you begin to sip on water, you feel your body coming back into balance. As you drink water today, think of how this is a wonderful metaphor of our salvation.

From the Episcopal Church - PRAY - Pray along with the Collect for Advent 3,

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

How will prayer guide you through the rest of the week? Set aside special time today to focus your intentions on stirring up peace and spreading joy.

Prayer
Creator God, thank you for life-giving water that quenches the thirst of my Spirit. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 16 2021 Selections - Zechariah 4:1-14, Revelation 4:9-5:5, Matthew 25:1-13, Morning and Evening Psalms

Philippians 4:5 – Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Is your gentleness like a light hidden under a basket? Do not hide the concern, the care, you have for others. Walk through each day as though the Lord is near and be willing to make yourself vulnerable to others.

From the Episcopal Church - BLESS -Spend a significant amount of time today discerning if there is a special blessing or gift you can share with your church, a local ministry, or with your community. Ask God to inspire and equip you with the fortitude and tools to make this gift something truly memorable and heartfelt.

Prayer
God of peace, as I walk among your children today may they see your face in mine. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 17,2021 Selections - Zechariah 7:8-8:8, Revelation 5:6-14, Matthew 25:14-30, Morning and Evening Psalms

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Advent is a short journey within the larger context of your life. But travel is almost always more fulfilling when you are joined by someone else. This passage notes that your life should be an ongoing conversation with God, that you are never alone on your journey.

From the Episcopal Church - TURN - Turn away from the busyness of the world right now. Turn your heart and mind toward giving thanks for this time of reflection, refreshment, and renewal. Turn your attention toward how you will be resting tomorrow, and put things in place so you can make the most of your sabbath time.

Prayer
God of my past, present and future, incline my ears to you so that I might hear your still small voice guiding me. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 18,2021 Selections - Zechariah 8:9-17, Revelation 6:1-17, Matthew 25:31-46, Morning and Eveningi Psalms

Luke 3:10-11 – And the crowds asked [John the Baptist], “What should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”

You are approaching a season of gift giving. Consider taking this passage literally. Take a few moments to clean out your closet of unneeded clothing or your pantry of food you do not need. If you do not know a family in need, share these items with a local church, clothes closet or food pantry.

From the Episcopal Church - REST - Spend at least 45 minutes outside today, without doing yard work or fixing lights or redoing bows on the garland. Take some time to just sit outside and let the air wash over you, taking away the stress and worry of the moment. Read Psalm 100 before and after your outside time. See how this psalm may help you rest and recharge your spirit.

Prayer
Merciful God, in this season of giving, help me be mindful of the needs of my brothers and sisters. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 19,2021 Selections - Micah 5:2-5, Canticle 15 The Song of Mary Magnificat Luke 1:46-55, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-55

Micah 5:2 – But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.

It is easy to feel insignificant in this world. We are preparing to celebrate a young girl in a small town giving birth to a little boy in whom the hope of the world will come to rest. God can do extraordinary things through unlikely people – including you.

From the Episcopal Church - WORSHIP - Linger before leaving your worship time today. How is God calling you to hear and sing along with Mary’s Song? Read Luke 1:39-55 This is the famous Magnificat.

Prayer
Almighty God, mold me and use me as an instrument of your will. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 20,2021 Selections - Zephaniah 3:14-20, Titus 1:1-16, Luke 1:1-25, Morning and Evening Psalms

Luke 1:46b, 48-49 – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

As part of your meditative time today, consider gifts you have received from God, maybe even writing them down. Throughout the day, consider this list, and thank God for all he has done for you.

From the Episcopal Church - GO - Go out into your neighborhood today. Where is God at work? Ask God to show you how you can celebrate that good work and name God’s presence in your community.

Prayer
Generous God, thank you for the many blessings you have poured out on me. May I remain forever grateful of your generosity. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 21,2021 Selections - Habakkuk 2:1-4, Psalm 126, Hebrews 10:35-11:1, John 20:24-29

Luke 1:52-53 – “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

You are approaching a season of great feasts when many good things will be on your table. Yet our feasts often fall short when it comes to the health considerations of those around the table. Will there be people around your table watching their cholesterol or their fat intake? Will you host anyone with diabetes? Be mindful of the health concerns around your Christmas table and plan today for choices that all can enjoy.

From the Episcopal Church - LEARN - Read Habakkuk 2:1-4. Does this reading remind you of Thomas the disciple? Why do you think the folks who organized the lectionary picked this reading from the Old Testament for this friend of Jesus?

Prayer
Loving God, help me create a Christmas season that is welcoming to and mindful of all who might visit. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 22,2021 Selections - 2 Samuel 7:1-17, Titus 2:11-3:8, Luke 1:39-56, Morning and Evening Psalms

Micah 5:4-5 – And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Your Advent journey has come to an end, but your journey with God has begun anew. God incarnate will be here soon. Be fervent in your prayers, gentle with one another and know that God, your Creator, remains steadfast by your side today and always.

From the Episcopal Church - PRAY - Pray along with the Collect for Advent 4,

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Pick three or four of your beloveds to focus your prayers on today. Make sure to leave some silent space for God to offer you some wisdom about what they may need right now.

Prayer
Gracious, loving God, you have always been with me, but I am often blind to your presence. Guide me where you would have me go. Help me to move closer to you and your plan for me. AMEN.

Micah 5:4-5 – And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

Your Advent journey has come to an end, but your journey with God has begun anew. God incarnate will be here soon. Be fervent in your prayers, gentle with one another and know that God, your Creator, remains steadfast by your side today and always.

Prayer
Gracious, loving God, you have always been with me, but I am often blind to your presence. Guide me where you would have me go. Help me to move closer to you and your plan for me. AMEN.

Lectionary for December 23,2021 Selections - 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Galatians 3:1-14, Luke 1:57-66, Morning and Evening Psalms

Matthew 10:17-22 – Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

What is the connection between Bethlehem and Calvary – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and his passion and death on a cross? The very reason the Son of God took on flesh and became a man for our sake was to redeem us from slavery to sin and death and to give us new life as the adopted children of God. The way to glory in the kingdom of God is through the cross. If we want to share in Jesus' glory, then we, too, must take up our cross each day and follow in his footsteps. Jesus never hesitated to tell his disciples what they might expect if they followed him. Here Jesus says to his disciples: This is my task for you at its grimmest and worst; do you accept it? This is not the world's way of offering a job. After the defeat at Dunkirk, Churchill offered his country blood, toil, sweat, and tears. This is not the message we prefer to hear when the Lord commissions us in his service. Nonetheless, our privilege is to follow in the footsteps of the Master who laid down his life for us. The Lord gives us sufficient grace to follow him and to bear our cross with courage and hope. Do you know the joy and victory of the cross of Jesus Christ?

From the Episcopal Church - BLESS - Make sure to pick up an extra present or two — a nice candy sampler or a warm pair of slippers or pajama pants, just in case you have extra friends or guests drop by. Ask God to bless those who travel and those who may be alone in the coming days. Take some bottled water and sports drinks over to your local community cold weather shelter.

Prayer
"Lord Jesus, your coming in the flesh to ransom us from slavery to sin gives us cause for great rejoicing even in the midst of trials and pain. Help me to patiently and joyfully accept the hardships, adversities, and persecution which come my way in serving you. Strengthen my faith and give me courage that I may not shrink back from doing your will".

Lectionary for December 24,2021Selections - Baruch 4:36-5:9, Galatians 3:23-4:7, Matthew 1:18-25, Morning and Evening Psalms

John 20:1a, 2-8 – 1a Now on the first day of the week 2 [Mary Magdelan] ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;

What was it like for those who encountered the Son of God in human form? John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, wrote his gospel as an eye-witness of the Word of God who became flesh and dwelt among us, and who died and rose for our salvation. John was the first apostle to reach the tomb of Jesus on Easter Sunday morning. Like the other disciples, he was not ready to see an empty tomb and to hear the angel's message, Why do you seek the living among the dead (Luke 24:5)? What did John see in the tomb that led him to believe in the resurrection of Jesus? It was certainly not a dead body. The dead body of Jesus would have disproven the resurrection and made his death a tragic conclusion to a glorious career as a great teacher and miracle worker. When John saw the empty tomb he must have recalled Jesus' prophecy that he would rise again after three days. Through the gift of faith John realized that no tomb on earth could contain the Lord and giver of life. John in his first epistle testifies: What we have seen, heard, and touched we proclaim as the word of life which existed "from the beginning" (1 John 1:1-4). John bears witness to what has existed from all eternity. This "word of life" is Jesus the word incarnate, but also Jesus as the word announced by the prophets and Jesus the word now preached throughout the Christian church for all ages to come. One thing is certain, if Jesus had not risen from the dead and appeared to his disciples, we would never have heard of him. Nothing else could have changed sad and despairing men and women into people radiant with joy and courage. The reality of the resurrection is the central fact of the Christian faith. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gives us "eyes of faith" to know him and the power of his resurrection. The greatest joy we can have is to encounter the living Christ and to know him personally as our Savior and Lord.

From the Episcopal Church - TURN - If you are gathering with friends and family today, consider taking time during the meal to turn to the folks on your right, and then on your left, to thank them for their love in your life. See how this might spread some joy and comfort around the table — or maybe even ease some potentially prickly guests.

Prayer
"Lord Jesus Christ, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give me the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Help me to draw near to you and to grow in the knowledge of your great love and power."