GOODBYE 2024

The Seventh Day of Christmas

PSALM 48:14 (NRSV)
This is God,
   our God forever and ever.
He will be our guide forever.

JOHN 14:6 (CEB)
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is the way forward.

DAILY FODDER
As you anticipate the new year, what makes you anxious about the future? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for getting me through 2024. I confess that I'm nervous about 2025—the political situation, the ongoing wars, the effects of climate change... Settle my mind and help me to once again find daily peace in Christ Jesus, our guide into 2025 and forever beyond. You've carried me through the tough times of the past and I am trusting you for the entire future. 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.

WISDOM AND STRENGTH

The Sixth Day of Christmas

PSALM 147:5 (MSG)
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
   we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does.

LUKE 2:40 (CEB)
The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus was blessed with the wisdom and strength of God.

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus' mission involved giving up his life, why did he need divine strength? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, you sent your Son into the world—blessing him with wisdom and strength. Forgive us for seeking alternative sources of wisdom and power. Lead me to live wisely depend on your approach to power.  I recognize that my way of living will be counter cultural. 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 HOMELESS JESUS

The Fifth Day of Christmas

PSALM 84:3 (MSG)
Birds find nooks and crannies in your house,
   sparrows and swallows make nests there.
They lay their eggs and raise their young,
   singing their songs in the place where we worship.
GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies! King! God!

MATTHEW 8:20 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus gave up the comfort and convenience of home in order to serve us. 

DAILY FODDER
Since Jesus gave up the comfort and convenience of home in order to serve us, it doesn't surprise us that following him often leads us into similar sacrifices. 

PRAYER
Jesus, my Lord, you gave up your home in heaven's glory to become a humble servant. Thank you for sacrificing your life to save sinners like me. Forgive me for avoiding inconvenience or self-denial in serving you. I invite you to dwell within my heart. Speak through me. Love through me. Bless others through me. 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.

GENEROSITY

The Fourth Day of Christmas

PROVERBS 19:17 (MSG)
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
and God pays back those loans in full.

LUKE 6:38 (MSG)
Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In God's economy generosity is what's rewarded.

DAILY FODDER
What is one small exercise you can do today to build generosity stamina?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm grateful for all that I continue to receive from you—health, companionship, the new life of Christ... Forgive me for insulating myself from the needy. Show me today at least one way I can help those who have less than they need. I'm trusting your indwelling Holy Spirit to build a generous spirit in me. 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.