¹Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. ³He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

⁵For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?
⁶And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
⁷Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire.”
⁸But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
⁹   You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
¹⁰And,
“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
¹¹  they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
¹²  like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.”

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
• What comes to mind when you hear “the reflection of God’s glory”?
• Savor this word or image.
• What comes to mind when you hear “the exact imprint of God’s being”?
• Savor this word or image.
• How are these words/images present in the world today?
• God sustains these with God’s powerful word.
• What powerful new word needs to be spoken by God into the world today?
• Give thanks to God for this time to recognize God’s presence in the world and to invite God into new place.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 25, 2011, the Nativity of Jesus Christ Year B 
Isaiah 52: 7-10
Psalm 98:1-9
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)
John 1:1-14

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD