Christmas Day
– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music
Today’s Scripture
Luke 2:1-14 ESV
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’
Reflection
In some ways this is such a familiar story, but as you read it, what catches your attention?
Place yourself in the scene with Jesus lying in the manger, or with the shepherds on the hillside – notice what it’s like to see, smell and hear what is going on.
Spend some time with God in silence today and express what it means to you that Jesus is God with us.
Bring to God whatever feelings are coming to the surface for you today – joy, loss, gratitude. Ask God for what you need to enter into this time of celebration.
Today’s Music
The Porter’s Gate – Mary’s Lullaby (Black Haired Boy)
Today Christ is born, today the Saviour has appeared; today the angels sing on earth, the archangels rejoice; today upright men and women shout out for joy: Glory be to God on high, alleluia.
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