Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Today's Hymn
Gentle Mary laid her child
lowly in a manger;
there he lay, the undefiled,
to the world a stranger.
Such a babe in such a place,
can he be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race
who have found his favor.

Angels sang about his birth;
wise men sought and found him;
heaven’s star shone brightly forth,
glory all around him.
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight,
heard the angels singing;
all the plains were lit that night;
all the hills were ringing.

Gentle Mary laid her child
lowly in a manger;
he is still the undefiled,
but no more a stranger.
Son of God, of humble birth,
beautiful the story;
praise his name in all the earth;
hail the King of glory!

Joseph Simpson Cook’s “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” (tune: Tempus Adest Floridum)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
The Christmas season for me is a time of renewal and reflection. It’s the opportunity to hit the reset button and to reflect on how to become a better person in the coming year. This year, more than any other in memory, I am focused on listening instead of speaking. In the musical Hamilton, Aaron Burr offers the following advice to Alexander Hamilton: “Talk less, smile more.” It’s a powerful reminder.

Jesus Christ was born into humble circumstances and then spent his life exuding humility. What better way to improve the world than to do our best to emulate his example.

Prayer
God of all humility, please help me to listen instead of speak. Open my ears to hear and my heart to act upon your love for me and all humanity. Amen.

Written by Lesley Conzelman, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email