Christmastide Readings

According to Wikipedia, the period between Christmas and Epiphany is known as "Christmastide". This is a time when we remember that the message of Christmas is not just for one day.

Saturday, December 26, 2015
Saint Stephen's Day
Matthew 5:44-45  But I tell you:  Love your enemies and pray for those who perscute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Saint Sephen was born in 907 AD near Prague.  He was educated as a Christian.  When he became king, he tried to rule with justice and mercy.  Some people didn't like this and attacked and killed him.  Before he died, Saint Stephen asked for forgiveness for those who hurt and killed him.  Prayer: God, help us to remember to forgive people who hurt us.

Sunday, December 27, 2015
2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
This season, and especially this week, are often very busy and not very peaceful.  What are some ways we an keep ourselves peaceful in this busy time?  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for your grace and for the excitement of this season.  Please help us feel your peace and help us share it with others.

Monday, December 28, 2015
Matthew 19:14  Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents.  We remember that King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem killed because he was afraid Jesus would take his kingdom. Today is an opportunity ot bless children and should also remind us of the persecution that Christians still face today.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for children.  Bless and care for the children in our lives.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Matthew 7:19  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
By now, some of our Christmas presents may not seem as exciting as they did a few days ago.  Jesus reminds us that our treasures should be in heaven, not here on earth.  What treasures are we storing in heaven?  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for all the treasures we will have in heaven.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015
\John 14:1  Do not let your heart be troubled.  Trust in God and also in me.
The New Year often causes people to wonder what will happen in the future.  We know that no matter what happens, God will be with us.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for always being with us.

Thursday, December 31, 2015
Luke 1:46  And Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
This week has been full of celebrations and excitement for many of us.  This coming week, we will return to our "regular lives", back to work and to school.  As we return, we should try to remember the excitement we felt this week about Jesus's birth and share that excitement with others.  Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for this wondrous week that began with Christmas.  Bless our family this evening and all families everywhere.  Open us to the coming New Year and fill it with your presence and love.  Amen.

Friday, January 1, 2016
Matthew 5:16  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
What were the best things about this past year?  How has God been good to our family?  What are we looking forward to in this New Year?  Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for this past year.  Thank you for all the blessings and for the lessons we have learned.  Help us be your light to people in darkness.  Bless this coming year, Lord.  Amen.

Saturday, January 2, 2016
1 Corinthians 13:13  And now these three remain, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.
God tells us that love is greater than even faith and hope.  How do we show love for the people around us?  How can we show love for even more people, even those we don't get along with?  Prayer:  God, help us to love the people around us.

Sunday, January 3, 2016
Galatians 5:13  You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom in indulging the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.
Sometimes it is hard to show love after the holidays.  We are sometimes tired from all the excitement.  It is hard to remember to serve others.  God reminds us that we are free people and that we should use our freedom to serve.  Prayer: Help us remember to serve others.  Give us the energy we need to start this new year with your directions in mind.

Monday, January 4, 2016
Ephesians 1:16  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
We may have spent time with friends and family this season.  It is sometimes easy to remember those we spend time with, but who else are we thankful for?  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for all the people in our lives.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Matthew 28: 19-20  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.
Jesus reminds us in this verse that our job is to spread the word about his love,  He also reminds us that He is always with us.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for Jesus.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and of incense, and of myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Epiphany.  As we take down our Christmas decorations and continue our return to "real life, we celebrate again Christ's birth and remember the visits of the wise men and the shepherds.  Some families bless their homes on Epiphany and then take down the holiday decorations.  In Germany, children go from house to house, collecting offerings for children's ministries and blessing the homes of givers.  How can we keep joy of Christmas in our hearts and keep Jesus's message in our hearts all year?  Prayer:  We shoult for joy, we praise you, oh, God, with hearts filled with gladness!  Emmanuel has come, our Savior, Christ the Lord.  In this New Year, help our family to sing your praises through words and deeds.  Amen.