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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

Today’s Reflection

THE MAGI ACTED upon the information they had. They went on a quest, trusting that they had interpreted the signs rightly and that God would lead them to the right place. Trust remains key to their journey. Sometimes our actions demonstrate a lack of trust in God that all shall be well. We give in to our worries and fears. We try to manipulate people or manipulate God. We bargain with God. The journey across Persia to Bethlehem was no simple or peaceful camel ride. They traveled at least one thousand miles through areas controlled by bandits. I imagine that they wanted to quit often, and yet they held on to the greater vision that encouraged them through daily hardships.

—George H. Donigian
In Days to Come: From Advent to Epiphany

From page 93 of In Days to Come: From Advent to Epiphany by George H. Donigian. Copyright © 2017 by George H. Donigian. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Pause. Look. Ponder. What signs of God’s presence and guidance do you see today? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

—Matthew 2:10-11, NRSV

This Week: Pray for joyous new beginnings. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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4 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 6, 2019 6:20 am

    The sign of His sure presence is the peace inside of me. Circumstances change, I am unsteadied by comments of another – yet I find my center, my balance, my best version of myself when I step back, pausing and considering Him – and resubmitting again. You are my steady Rock, Father.
    Grateful for safe, uneventful travel home. So good to see Roger – he was none too happy with me leaving, but we are getting back on good terms. Ready to fall back into the rhythm of life, I suppose.

  • Connie Posted January 6, 2019 9:28 am

    Today I saw God’s presence in the beautiful sky. The beautiful colors encircled our cul-de-sac. I went outside to enjoy the view.
    On this day of Epiphany I give him my life with all of my imperfections. I know he sees the whole picture. Thank you, Lord, for never judging us, only loving us and helping us. Amen

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 6, 2019 4:44 pm

    I saw God’s presence in His blessings, the bills I paid, the meals I enjoyed and the people I met.

    Thank you God for your presence, guidance and blessings!

  • robert moeller Posted January 6, 2019 8:41 pm

    Hope always endures, like God it is always present, available. Jesus makes hope possible. Thank You, Lord.

    Our celebration of the arrival of the Messiah ends with the last day of Christmas. The magi have come, their presents foretell the future accomplishments of Jesus. He is our King, will die to save us .and arise from the dead to take His place at the right hand of God, the Father, enabling us as believers to take our place in God’s presence. Thank You, Lord.
    Blessings to all of the UR family on Epiphany and into the New Year.

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