A Prayer for the First Sunday After Christmas

Open Your Bible

Luke 1:78-79

Because of our God’s merciful compassion,
the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness
and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 
—Luke 1:78–79


Almighty God, You have poured upon us the new light of
Your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer

Download our app to get a lock screen for your phone so you can read these words throughout the day.

(44) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

44 thoughts on "A Prayer for the First Sunday After Christmas"

  1. Brandy Deruso says:

    Lord we thank you

  2. Meagan Warlick says:

    praying that i may focus on the light instead of sulking in the darkness in 2022

  3. Marilyn Jones says:

    My husband was to go into to see his orthopedic doctor this morning, but the weather here is to be bad. So for now he is canceling this appointment. He fell almost three weeks ago on his knee replacement. There is an infection on top of the knee cap. He’s on antibiotics, and the swelling has gone down. I prayed this morning to put him and anybody that would be touching him in Gods hands. I guess God showed up by bringing the bad weather to this area. God is good.

  4. Sheryl Gunderson says:

    Lizzy— praying for your husband Nate that God will show him how wonderful he is made and will give him the courage and the knowledge the confidence that he will pass the tests and keep his job.

  5. Oluseye Ashiru says:

    I’m praying for your husband today that He will feel the peace and wisdom of God all around Him. I pray that He will rest in God’s abilities to carry Him through the testing season and that He will excel beyond His own expectations. Amen

  6. Audrey DeLoof says:

    praying now for nate!

  7. Lizzy Butterfield says:

    @Dorothy I’m also in Kansas! Except I’m in the middle of nowhere, Kansas. Today really was beautiful!

  8. Lizzy Butterfield says:

    I’m lifting up my husband tonight in my prayers. He’s recently got a new job and there’s a lot of testing he has to pass to keep his job. He’s always been hard on himself and he’s not feeling smart enough, and the people around him, while well meant, are not very encouraging. If anyone wants to pray for Nate and his success at work I would appreciate it! All for God’s glory, but also because I want my husband to know just how capable and smart he is. Thanks ladies!

  9. Traci Gendron says:

    RACHEL – I’m in Colorado

  10. Jennifer Anapol says:

    So thankful for this advent study. I love soaking in the afterglow of Christmas. I actually really love this week between Christmas and New Years. It is still celebratory, but a lot less hectic than Christmas.

  11. Dorothy says:

    Maria Baer I agree with you, for some reason, maybe the topic, maybe the way it was presented maybe the devotions or maybe all but this Advent study seems to have affected me and my walk with the Lord differently than any of the other ones. Of course, all of you my sisters and your comments and support have made a big difference also. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH SRT.

  12. Dorothy says:

    It’s a beautiful 50 degrees here in Kansas, yes I said 50. So far we haven’t had any of the white, powdery stuff (I won’t say the actual word because I might cause problems. LOL)in the greater Kansas City area. This is my type of weather, not too hot and not too cold. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
    I feel just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean I should let this light dull or go out.
    Lord, I prayer I can continue SHINING, SPREADING, and BEING YOUR LIGHT for the rest of this year and the following years to come. Amen.
    Have a blessed Sunday and light His Light in you continue to SHINE!!!

  13. hissparrow says:

    Thankful to be part of this amazing group of women who truly love the Lord and His Word!

  14. Sierra Haase says:

    ;

  15. Gwineth52 says:

    He came! Our Savior. It came. Snowfall. This is The Story, this is the stuff of Christmastime. Saving Grace. Snowfall. Silence. Snug with love under a safe roof. Sending sweet prayers aloft. So it is, Shes. And so He is!

  16. Gwineth52 says:

    He came! Our Savior. It came! Snowfall. This is the Story, the stuff of Christmastime! Silence. Snug with love under a safe roof. Sending the sweetest prayers aloft. And so it is, Shes. And so He is.

  17. Mari V says:

    Oh by the way. Somehow missed letting people know where I’m from. I join all of you from Northern California.

  18. Rhonda J. says:

    Happy Sunday! I praise God we have found a church we really like! Praise that my husband likes it, and we are there together. We are still struggling to get along, but with God between us, nothing is impossible. I just keep trying to forgive and forget, move forward, but so tough. We still have our presents to each other under the tree wrapped. We both harbor frustration with each other. But it’s a beautiful sunny day here in southwest Florida, another praise that came to fruition through petition to God, and I will honor that with gratefulness every day! There are blessing everywhere, our God is an awesome God. Amen and Amen.

    How was your Christmas Martha Hix? I hope you felt surrounded in God’s love.

    Hope yours was good to Traci Gendron as you basked in your memories of dear Tanner. You are such a strong woman, and give us all strength to face the horrible that comes our way. Also for the SHE that lost her 3 kids, I hope you felt comfort as well, you were in my thoughts.

    Victoria E- I know next year you will have a baby in your arms, God is the God of miracles, and He has a blessing ready for you.

    I can’t wait to start the book of John with you all! I am going to do a fast with my church the first week of January in prayer for a strong year ahead, no matter what may come. He will be our guidance, our wisdom, and our companion.

  19. Mari V says:

    I have enjoyed this study so much! I’ve enjoyed the quietness as I’m always the first one up! I’m grateful this Advent will continue for another week! Thank You SRT team for blessings us with this well-written Advent study and helping as draw closer to the very One Jesus Christ the reason for this beautiful season.

  20. Mari V says:

    As I sit hear by the Christmas tree I’m hearing the sounds of First Responders in this quiet neighborhood praying for them on this First Sunday after Advent. My headache I woke up with can’t compare to those sounds and the people waiting for them. .

  21. Rachel says:

    Recovering from surgery forced me to be physically still in this busy season…so thankful for this study helping to bring stillness to my heart, as well. What a sweet advent! It was so fun to see all the places you live! Merry Christmas (a day late) from CO!

  22. K R says:

    I don’t think I’ll ever get over this study. So beautiful and so much TRUTH that I want to remember all year round.

  23. Cindy Hanna says:

    Oh Incarnate Word sent by a compassionate and Merciful God to light our path to peace. Happy Sunday She’s. May your worship this morning be blessed

  24. Heidi V says:

    Maria and Eva-Marie, your words echo my feelings so perfectly! My daughters COVID symptoms seem to have stopped worsening and we’re praying she’ll start feeling better today. May we all get some much needed rest today and have plenty of leftovers for our families!

  25. Eva-Marie Hester says:

    Amen!
    And, yes, Maria, I feel the stillness, the peace, the comfort of abiding in the presence of the Light of the World. This advent season the Holy Spirit has settled something in me: the beautiful reality that Jesus has broken through the darkness of this world and NOTHING can overcome His beautiful light.
    Thank you SRT staff for bringing forth God’s Word this Advent. And thank you Shes for sharing and praying. This community is a treasure!

  26. Eva-Marie Hester says:

    Amen!
    And, yes, Maria, I feel the stillness, the peace, the comfort of abiding in the presence of the Light of the World. This advent season the Holy Spirit has settled something in me: the beautiful reality that Jesus has broken through the darkness of this world and NOTHING can overcome His beautiful light.

  27. K D says:

    This study has been amazing – thank you SRT

  28. Katie Bell says:

    Amen to all of this. So blessed by this advent study and reading everyone’s thoughts after the devo – have a blessed new year everyone!

  29. Chris S says:

    Thank you SRT staff for your dedication to bringing us His word everyday!! And thank you SHES for posting wisdom and love everyday.

  30. Ahyana says:

    Amen. And, Maria, yes. I feel the stillness, the comfort, the invitation to dwell, to abide.

  31. Angela Greenwood says:

    Amen

  32. Maria Baer says:

    I wonder if any other sister is feeling like this— but thanks to what I learned and the devotions the “stillness” this study brought me

  33. Melanie Rastrelli says:

    Amen.❤️

  34. Melissa Mcronney says:

    Amen

  35. Ally S says:

    AMEN!

  36. Alice Swearingen says:

    I love coming to God’s Word…. It points me to Jesus – the same yesterday, today and forever.

  37. Beverly Watley says:

    Amen Jennifer, thank you and bless you and your family as well.

  38. Beverly Watley says:

    Love this study. Our God is so merciful to us. I love God’ word. I have peace in his word that everything is going to be alright. 2022 is going to be so good. Bless all SRT believers.

  39. Kelly says:

    Thank You Lord for Your merciful compassion. Help us all to follow You on the path of peace that You have provided through the gift of your Son.

    Celebrate the Child who is the Light!

  40. Churchmouse says:

    The gifts are unwrapped and put away. Family have gone home. The hustle and bustle are replaced by quiet. Another Christmas has passed. I open my Bible as I do every day. I’m so thankful for the Word. It is timeless, trustworthy and true. In a world where things and people come and go, it is comforting to know God’s Word never changes. No matter the chaos in this world, I always have Immanuel. I have peace. I pray you do too.

    1. Chris S says:

      Amen. Beautiful scripture. Timely. Prayers for your health Churchmouse.

  41. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Amen. Bless you and your family

  42. Lindsey Bradley says:

    Love this! Thank you!

  43. Tina says:

    Amen. And thank you Lord God.

    Thank you!

    But God..

    Happy Sunday, wrapped in love and hugs!❤