God is light, and in him there is no darkness… 1 John 1:5

Gracious God, help us remember that Christ is our light. May his light “shine in our hearts, shine in the darkness,” as we go about our days.

Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. Luke 2:29

Loving God, thank you for another year of life and your faithful, loving presence.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Wise and gracious God, teach me, like Mary, to remember and ponder the things of my daily life. I entrust this new year (as I do every year) to your saving power and love.

Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 1 John 2:23

They were overjoyed at seeing the star… Matthew 2:10

You belong to God, children… 1 John 4:4

…for God is love. 1 John 4:8

But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50

Brother Jesus, reveal your presence to me.

If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Luke 5:12-13

Beginnings and Endings John 3:27

Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. Isaiah 42:2

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:16-17

The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. Mark 1:22

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. Mark 1:32

God, in your mercy, increase my faith.

The Holy Spirit says: Oh, that today you would hear his voice, “Harden not your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7

Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them… Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. Mark 2:2, 4

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. Mark 2:17

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi…, where are you staying?” John 1:38

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Mark 2:18-19

We who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:18

[Jesus looked] around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart… Mark 3:5

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. Mark 3:9

Lord, when others’ needs heavily press us, help us imitate you—recognize limits, pray and plan.

Kindness and truth will meet, justice and peace will kiss. Psalm 85:11

Jesus, through the power of your amazing Spirit, help me to love and serve someone in need today.

All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with cries of gladness… Psalm 47:2

I praise you, O God. I thank you for your presence, your love and your bright eyes.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Jonah 3:1

He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15