The magi opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
When I open my heart, I find beautiful treasures of compassion, comfort, and kindness to offer to others.
Today I will explore my heart to uncover its treasures. I will offer these gifts to God through my interactions with each member of God’s human family.
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace! Numbers 6:24-26
Let us not cease pondering the blessing of God-with-us, the wonder of the unfailing presence of God’s unconditional love, compassion, and acceptance. Let us open our minds, hearts, and lives to receive and radiate God’s light, kindness, and peace.
Today I will enter the sacred space of my heart to reflect on how God’s grace and love touch me each day. I will look for God’s presence in the glory of God’s creation, especially in all members of God’s diverse human family.
The shepherds went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. Luke 2:16
God entrusted the infant Jesus— Emmanuel, God with us—
to humble human beings
to care for him…
love him…
cherish him.
Today I will remember that each of us has been made by God in love to embody love and carry love with us. Wherever I find God’s human children, may I always hasten to treat them with love and reverence.
Merry Christmas!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7b
The grace of God fills my heart and mind with faith in God’s presence and hope in God’s vision of perfect love and unity among all people. May I receive this gift of love with gratitude.
Today I will spend a quiet few moments in the presence of God and welcome the gift of love into my heart and being.
[Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John the Baptist,] “This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:10
We, too, are messengers of the Lord when we trust in God’s vision of peace and unity, when we are patient and encouraging with each other, when we put aside prejudice and complaints and actively love one another.
Today I will be a messenger of light and hope by choosing kindness and compassion in all my interactions.
There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. Isaiah 11:9
It is a vision to work toward: where we are filled with the knowledge of the holiness of God’s creation, where we do not harm the earth or each other, where we take care of the world and each other and do not bring about the ruin of anyone or anything.
Today I will embody a vision of reverence toward all of God’s precious creation, especially each and every person.
One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Isaiah 2:4
War never serves the good of the people. Yet we continue to wage war. War between countries. War between political parties. War between people with different religions and cultures. War between family members. War between greed and what is good for the earth. War between my desire to do the will of God and my fear of being different, of not having enough, of being hurt.
Today I will walk in peace with myself, my family, my community. I will let go of fear, put my trust in God, and walk in the light of the Lord.
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Then [the other criminal] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
Remember me, Lord.
It’s the beginning of a dialogue with God. It shows I remember God is with me. It shows my belief that God is listening. It shows my trust that I matter to God.
Today I will not forget God is here. I will remember God’s kingdom is right here among us and will look for God wherever I am, in every breath I take, in everyone I encounter. I will let go of worry and fear and remember God is in charge.
Jesus said, “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Luke 21:19
Persevere in kindness. Persevere in faith. Persevere in compassion. Persevere in forgiveness, in letting go of resentment, in rejecting fear. Persevere in trusting God is here, God cares, God is in charge.
Today I will refuse to be terrified by reports of wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, injustice. I will quietly put my energy into loving and helping my neighbors near and far and in trusting the Lord holds us all close to his heart.
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May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
When I put my hope in God’s enduring presence, when I allow myself to receive God’s love in its many, diverse forms, when I keep God in the center of my life, I am strengthened to live each day with courage and trust in God’s compassion.
Today I will let God’s love heal my sorrowing heart. I know God is with me in every moment and helps me through difficult times of pain and suffering.
Mary Ann McSweeny 