LIGHT

ISAIAH 9:2 (MSG)
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!

MATTHEW 2:10-11 (CEB)
When the Magi saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The light of Christ breaks the darkness. 

DAILY FODDER
What expressions of darkness in your world need some light?

PRAYER
Light of life, thank you for shining in our darkness and drawing us close. Forgive me for casting shadows on others by my words and actions. Kindle within me the fire of your love so your light will shine through me and lead others to give you praise. Walking in your ight, I will joyfully serve you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE GIFT

PSALM 111:9 (ABP)
Because God guarantees his covenant forever, at his own expense he rescued his people.

1 JOHN 2:2 (CEV)
Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
At his own expense, God sent Christ to rescue us from the grip of sin and death.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think that you're worthy of inclusion in this divine transaction?

PRAYER
Gracious God, I can't begin to comprehend the magnitude of the gift you've given us through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Forgive me for pretending that I have a handle on all that. Show me how to humbly receive your gift of freedom and new life without trying to be the expert on your generosity. I am, though, eager to share the good news of your gift with the whole world. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

FAITHFUL GOD

ISAIAH 27:2-3 (MSG)
At that same time, a fine vineyard will appear.
There’s something to sing about!
   I, GOD, tend it.
I keep it well-watered.
   I keep careful watch over it
so that no one can damage it.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 (MSG)
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is faithfully keeping an eye on his people.   

DAILY FODDER
How has God helped you out in the last week? 

PRAYER
Faithful God, my life is so much better knowing that you care about us, that you keep an eye on us, and that you are powerful enough to intervene at appropriate times. I confess that when I am struggling I lose perspective and slip into despair. Keep me grounded in your promises and your track record. I'm going to let your faithfulness shape how I live my life. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE TEMPLE

ISAIAH 66:1 (CEB)
The Lord says:
Heaven is my throne,
and earth is my footstool.
So where could you build a house for me,

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16 (NLT)
Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Nothing we do compares to what God has done, yet he chooses to use us as his dwelling place.

DAILY FODDER
What is the coolest thing about being a part of the temple of God?

PRAYER
Creator God, the works of your hands are awesome. Yet, you choose to make us your temple — which doesn't make sense because we lack awesomeness. I mean, yes, we are amazing creatures but we're also such rebellious hard-headed, and out-of-touch creatures. Fill us anew with your Spirit so that we might become an honorable and glorious temple. Indeed, all the glory circles back around to you when we're living as your temple. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.