Joyful Mystery by Jim Janknegt.
Titus 2:11-14
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit in silence five to fifteen minutes embracing the great light that shines before you.
- As the birth of Jesus draws near, notice what arises in you.
- Is there excitement? Is there anxiety? Perhaps both?
- Hold all of these feelings before you as you consider who God chose to be born into the world in this way.
- God chose to come into the world to free us from the things that don’t last: impiety and worldly passions.
- Look at the feelings you are holding. What impiety and worldly passion are you ready to let go?
- In the new space created in the letting go, what new life does God have for you?
- How do you desire for this new creation to be born?
- How do you desire to give glory to God for the hope of this new creation?
- What is God’s message for you?
- Give thanks to God for this time of new life and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 24, 2017, Christmas Eve Year B
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96:1-13
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings
(c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD