December 29, 2019, Lectionary

I will tell of the goodness of the Lord in that in all my trouble and distress God is also troubled and distressed. Somehow God's presence makes it better. Isaiah 63:7-9

All of us are called to praise God because at God's command we were made, and our continued existence fulfills God's will. Psalm 148

Jesus went in my suit to conquer death and the devil. He's the best possible company in all my lingering mess! Hebrews 2:10-18

How God must have wept over the mothers and children in Bethlehem at this astonishing effort by Satan to kill Jesus as a toddler. Matthew 2:13-23

Thoughts about Listening

Choosing what I love most about this time of year. I think it's the way the subdued light of a cloudy winter day is captured and beautified in each raindrop. Isaiah 63:7-9

Take yourself and your children out to listen to nature today. Psalm 148

The sunlight has a different slant since December 21. Once again the darkness is being pushed back. I am alive and listening. Hebrews 2:10-18

Thinking of the whole agony in the world can be depressing, but listening to one piece of pain at a time is doable and a force for healing. Matthew 2:13-23