On Bended Knee

Not all is doom and gloom. We are beginning to understand the natural world and are gaining a reverence for life—all life. –Roger Tory Peterson

On Bended Knee

They came to Bethlehem, on foot, by donkey or camel. Shepherds and angels, Wise Men from distant lands received the Good News of a Savior’s birth—and they came.

They brought gifts, as they were able: a lamb, a song, gold, frankincense, myrrh. And in the presence of the Holy Child of God, they bowed down in reverence and awe. Can you see it?

Something else happened on the first Christmas long ago, something that’s nearly gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of preparing our homes for the holidays.

All who came to worship the Christ Child, shepherds and kings alike, received a gift greater than any they gave. They received the gift of the Messiah, the Chosen One, whose arrival marked the beginning of the restoration of all Creation. And each one of us has been re-gifted this very same gift: the gift and blessing of God’s sweet grace.

Commit yourself, in the year ahead, to receiving God’s grace and love in your heart. Pray with open hands, to experience God’s presence in your life. And as you pray? Try this simple prayer, and see what happens. Here it is:

Thank you.

That’s it. Amen.


Monday Think today about how you pray-- not the words, but your attitude. Try something a little different. Consider journaling the experience. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Tuesday Listening is easier when your surroundings are quiet. Seek silence today, both within and without. Zephaniah 3:17

Wednesday Watchnight As the year draws to a close, pause and give thanks for the many ways you were blessed—even when you didn’t realize it. Genesis 28:16-17

Thursday Every day is a new beginning; every year, a clean slate. Make a resolution that will affect your spiritual life. Pray for commitment to fulfill it. Genesis 12:2-3

Friday Pray today for our world leaders. Pray for their wisdom, and for a spirit of peace to prevail. Psalm 119:169-172

Saturday Praying for yourself today, seek direction for a way you can make a difference in your world, whether through volunteering at your church or perhaps donating your time in another way. Mark 1:35

Sunday Consider inviting someone to join you this morning at Church in the Circle. As you worship, give thanks for this amazing church family. Colossians 3:15-17


If a person loses his reverence for any part of life, he will lose his reverence for all of life. –Albert Schweitzer

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