Sixth Day in the Christmas Octave - December 30

Daily Prayer:
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Ever-living God, in the birth of your Son our religion has its origin and its perfect fulfillment. Help us to share in the life of Christ for he is the salvation of all, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do. 1 John 2

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God. John 1

The beginning of this gospel is so simple and so profound. Depending on what has been going on in us this week, this reading can pull it all together, or at least lead us to find our hope in him."From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace."

No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him. John 1

Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Humbly yet confidently, let us invoke Christ the Lord whose favor has been shown to all people:

Lord, have mercy. Christ, born of the Father before the ages, splendor of his glory, image of his being, your word holds all creation in being, we ask you to give new life to our world through your Gospel. Christ, you were born into the world at the fullness of time to save us and to give freedom to every creature, we ask you to extend the liberty of our relationship with you to all people. Christ, consubstantial Son of the Father, begotten before the dawn of day, and born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of the scriptures, we ask you to make your Church a notable exception of poverty and simplicity. Christ, God and man, Lord of David and Son of David, fulfillment of all prophecies, we pray that Israel may recognize you as its Messiah.

Closing Prayer:
God of all beginnings, thank you for choosing me, for giving me the great gift of faith.
Guide me to a better understanding of your Word, and help to strengthen my faith. I am so grateful to you for your many gifts given so lavishly in your generous love and for the fulfillment of your promises through the birth of your son. The profound truth is beyond my understanding but I am filled with hope and peace in your word.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.