Friday, January 2

Friday, January 2
Christmas Weekday

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

This spirited hymn begs to be belted out. The world marches on to New Year’s resolutions, but we don’t give up our Christmas feasting so easily. We stand ready to greet the Lord this happy morning, joyful and triumphant in our acknowledgment of this great gift.

The key to keeping up our Christmas spirit is to stay grounded in our awareness of our need for a savior. Anyone with a conscience should not have to reflect very long to conclude that though we bear God’s image, we are incomplete and broken. But we’ve been given glad tidings of the “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing”—the One who reveals that nothing can stand in the way of God’s desire for communion with us. It is a day to be joyful and triumphant indeed.

Prayer for Morning
Jesus my brother, I celebrate your coming among us—a surprising and undeserved gift that began in Bethlehem and continues to this day. Help me sustain my joy and gratitude for the gift of your presence with me in this moment, here and now. Christ, my Lord, let me sing in exultation.

Ponder Today
How might I continue my Christmas festivity today?

Prayer for Evening
Jesus my brother, there is nowhere I can go and nothing I can do to lessen your love for me. You reign over heaven and earth—reign in me as well. Christ, my Lord, I adore you.