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 20, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 18:1-20, 62, 126
1 Samuel 2:1b-10
Titus 2:1-10
Luke 1:26-38

II. Selections
Psalms 126:3
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.

1 Samuel 2:9
" ...He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail. ... " [ Hannah's prayer]

Titus 2:7-8a
Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured ...

Luke 1:30
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ... "

III. Meditation: Grant us your favor

You did a great thing for Mary,
who found favor with you;
and she rejoiced greatly.

Cut us not off in darkness; but guard our feet;
make us faithful, for not by might do we prevail.
Help us to model good works, teach with integrity,
show gravity, and use speech that is beyond censure.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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