Growing Deeply

a daily scripture guide

Week of December 26 - December 31

A Prayer for Everyday This Christmas Season
Sunday
Dear God, sometimes I get too caught in the Christmas commercialism. OK, a lot
of times. Today, Im going to refocus my heart and remember why Im celebrating
this wonderful day in the first place. Im celebrating Jesus todayand every day! In
Jesus name, Amen. ~ Sharon Jaynes
Monday
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the
angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the
peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now
and forever.
Tuesday

Sunday Sermon

Speak Life - December 25

Scripture: John 1:1-14(NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him,
and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him
was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness
to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not
the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens
everyone, was coming into the world.

Dear God, help us to focus on you today, remembering that the gift of Christ,
Immanuel, is our most treasured gift for the whole year through. Fill us with
your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you.
Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons
of brokenness, youre still with us. You never leave us. Thank you for your daily
Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes
are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that your surround us
with favor as with a shield, we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to
you today. ~ Debbie McDaniel

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did
not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept
him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to
become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or
of the will of man, but of God.

Wednesday

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.

God of all wisdom, whose ways are beyond my own, show me the limitations of
relying on my own plans. Help me wake up to what you are inviting me to a crazy
step of faith, a sweet surrender, an act of blind trust. Like Joseph, give me the
courage to follow you in the obedience of faith wherever it may lead for it is you
I trust [this Christmas]. ~ Ruth Haley Barton, DD

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the
glory as of a fathers only son, full of grace and truth.

My Notes:

Thursday
Are things back to normal yet? Back to work, back to my routineStop me and slow
me down, again to experience and think on the wonder of the Christ Child who lives
on in me.
Friday
The year is coming to a close. Im already thinking about new resolutions. May I
resolve to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly, day
by day into the New Year. ~ Lyrics from Day by Day
Saturday
Consider: What shall I leave behind in 2016 ? What shall I carry forth in 2017?
May the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding guard your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

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