I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

December 24, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 24, 25, 110
Isaiah 35:1-10
Revelation 22:12-17
Luke 1:67-80

II. Selections
Psalm 110:3
Your people will offer themselves willingly
on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains.
From the womb of the morning,
like dew, your youth will come to you.

Isaiah 35:3
Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.

Revelation 22:17d
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Luke 1:68
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. ... " [ Zechariah prophesying after the birth of his son, John the Baptizer]

III. Meditation: The water of life

Blessed be your name, O Lord God of Israel,
for you have looked favorably on your people
and redeemed them.

As youth, like dew from the womb of the morning,
willingly offer themselves up for war,
strengthen us to enlist for peace.

Strengthen our weak hands, make firm our feeble knees,
grant us courage to accept the gift you offer-
the water of life.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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