January 01, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 8, 98, 99
1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28
Colossians 1:9-20
Luke 2:22-40

II. Selections
Psalm 8:1b-2
You have set your glory above the heavens,
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.

1 Samuel 1:11
[ Hannah] made this vow: "O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head."

Colossians 1:11-12
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Luke 2:40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

III. Meditation: From the mouths of babes and infants
O favored One, filled with wisdom and strong
with the strength of God's glorious power,
who but you could silence the enemy and the avenger
with words from the mouths of babes and infants?

You were a child who grew to be
a man who loved children.
With the fervor and dedication that Hannah prayed for a son,
help us promote the welfare of children.

Prepare us to endure everything with patience,
while giving joyful thanks,
for though you have set your glory above the heavens,
you have given us a share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.