Daily Reading: 26 December

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Praise always!

Something to read

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

- Psalm 148:1-4.

Something to think about

If you’ve been involved in Advent and Christmas at church over the past weeks, you may find yourself feeling ‘all praised out’. This is the time that many pastors, preachers, vergers and vicars collapse in a heap for a few days of well-needed rest. After belting out carols with gusto, risk-assessing Christingle candles, navigating the scratch nativity, and ministering to the midnight mass rabble, I am usually good for nothing much by Boxing Day.

What a wonderful thought then, that even as we take a breather, there is a heavenly host continuing to praise God tirelessly. There is something beautiful about the image of angels and stars, sun and moon, all peering down into the manger to catch a glimpse of God-made-flesh, and erupting again in celebration and joy.

So do enjoy a rest if you can today, whether that looks like snoozing in your favourite chair or fun and games with family. You can rest assured that whatever wordless praise you might offer will be swept up with a great, unstinting heavenly chorus. Amen!

Something to do

Listen to a recording of the hymn ‘All Creatures of Our God and King’, William Henry Draper’s adaptation of the famous poem by St Francis of Assisi. There are many versions available on YouTube.

Something to pray

God of heaven and earth, thank you for the reminder today that you are always worthy of praise, and you are always being praised. May I offer you whatever I do today as worship, whether work or rest, and know that you delight in me. Amen. 

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones