4 January 09

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

4 JANUARY 09

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer: Psalm 89:1-30; Isaiah 44:1-8, 21-23; Colossians 2:6-17

Holy Eucharist: Isaiah 61:1-3; St. Matthew 2:19-23

Evening Prayer: Psalm 132; Haggai 2:1-9; Luke 2:34-40

REFLECTION

Perhaps, on New Year's Day, some of us are looking out for a good resolution to be acted on, by God's grace, during the next twelve months. Can we do better than resolve to do every day something which we naturally dislike, as an act of love and worship to our Lord Jesus Christ, Who was made to be circumcised and obedient to the Law, for us men? Such a resolution, even tolerably kept, will leave us at the end of the year happier, because more disciplined and freer men than we are now. It will have enabled us to make one good step on the way to our eternal home. To which may He, of His mercy, bring us, Who was born into the world, and died and rose that we might be His in life and in death and in the higher life beyond the grave.

***From H.P. Liddon***

COLLECT FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

Almighty God, who has poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY

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