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The Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week, Sunday, December 22 to Saturday, December 28, 2024.
At Christmas, make all our guests feel special.
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December 20, 2024
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Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings this week include special Christmas reflections.
Isaiah Chapters 32-36
Read Isaiah 36:11-15 again.
In these verses, the King of Assyria’s commander addressed King Hezekiah’s people, trying to convince them to stop trusting God.
Ask God to keep us alert to the voices of discouragement so that we won’t stop trusting God.
What can you do to overcome the voices of discouragement in your life?
Isaiah Chapters 37-40
Read Isaiah 39:1-7 again and then read Matthew 7:6.
King Hezekiah showed everything that he had to the King of Babylon’s messengers. Isaiah then told King Hezekiah that all his possessions would be carried off to the King of Babylon’s palace.
Was King Hezekiah to blame, at all, for the loss of his possessions? How can we strike a good balance between appropriate caution and inappropriate mistrust in our relationships with others?
Ask God to help us to take our time in getting to know others so that we don’t put our “pearls” in harm’s way.
Have you ever suffered because you opened your heart to someone before really getting to know that person? What steps can people take to “look before they leap” into an inappropriate relationship?
Matthew 3:1-17 and 11:11
Luke 1:5-17
Shortly before the first Christmas, John the Baptist was born. John’s work in preparing the way of the Lord was very significant and is important to recognize.
Ask God to help us to celebrate all of our Christmas guests — both the big stars and the little ones — while remembering the One, whose star sparkled in Bethlehem, celebrated at the first Christmas.
In gatherings of your family or of your circle of friends, is the importance of every member recognized? Can your family add a Christmas tradition of celebrating each person present during the festivities?
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 2:1-20
In these readings we see that two groups of men visited the baby Jesus at the time of the first Christmas. One group brought material gifts; the other group brought kind words and encouragement.
Like the Holy Family, our families have been called to fulfill a special purpose in this world. Also like the Holy Family, we have experienced joys, trials, tragedies and accomplishments.
Ask God to keep us close to the Holy Family this Christmas so that we can bring the best of ourselves to our loved ones.
Take a few minutes to imagine that you are visiting the Holy Family just after Jesus was born. What stands out for you in what you imagine seeing, hearing or touching? Can you relate anything from this meditation to your life individually or as a family member?
Acts 6:2-5; 6:8-15; 7:54-60
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Galatians 5:22-23
Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
Ask God to give us more of the Holy Spirit to help us to bring the love of Christ to others.
What do you admire the most about Stephen? In what ways did Stephen’s life resemble the life of Jesus? Which spiritual gifts would you like to receive so that you can bring blessings to others as did Jesus and Stephen?
John 13:23-26
1 John 2:24-27, 3:24, 4:12-16
Today’s readings encourage us to be close to Jesus so that He will teach us how to prepare for what lies ahead.
Ask God to help us to enjoy deeper intimacy with Him, and with trustworthy others, in the new year ahead.
Have you taken a moment to think about how to get closer to Jesus in the coming year? Is there someone else in your life to whom you should be getting closer?
Matthew 2:16-23
At the time of the massacre ordered by Herod, families were devastated by the tragic loss of their children. Although the Holy Family escaped harm, they continued to face great danger.
Ask God to bless all people with peace and comfort during this Christmas season, and to give us the determination to make the best of our lives, no matter how deep the wounds of our hearts.
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with the loss of a loved one this Christmas season? How can Joseph’s example of continuing to protect and provide for his family, in spite of adverse circumstances, inspire us to face the struggles that we are now experiencing?
A version of this story appeared in the December 22, 2024, issue of The Catholic Registerwith the headline "At Christmas, bless all with peace, comfort".
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