Sunday, January 4, 2026 (2nd Sunday after Christmas)
Readings: Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20; Ephesians 1:3–14; John 1:(1–9), 10–18

Reflection
God’s light shows up far from centers of power and certainty. Jeremiah speaks hope to people still living in exile, promising restoration and joy where loss once reigned. Psalm 147 praises a God who strengthens the community through care and provision, not domination. John declares that the true Light has come into the world, dwelling among us in vulnerability, even when it goes unrecognized. To follow this Light is to trust that God is already at work in overlooked places and to resist the pull of fear, control, and false security.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to notice light and hope in an unexpected place?

Prayer
Light of the world, open my eyes to see where You are already at work. Give me courage to follow Your light beyond comfort and familiarity.

Intention for the Day
Pay attention to one overlooked person or place today and respond with presence, kindness, or care.

Monday, January 5, 2026
Readings: Psalm 72; Joshua 1:1–9; Hebrews 11:32–12:2

Reflection
God’s strange way forward often begins with courage rather than certainty. Joshua is called to lead without Moses, stepping into responsibility while trusting God’s steady presence. Psalm 72 envisions leadership shaped not by domination but by justice, care for the vulnerable, and the flourishing of the whole community. Hebrews reminds us that faith is sustained by remembering those who have gone before and by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who shows us what faithful endurance looks like. Following the Light means moving forward when the path feels uncertain, trusting that God is already ahead of us.

Question for Contemplation
Where is God inviting you to act with courage rather than waiting for perfect clarity?

Prayer
Faithful God, strengthen my heart when the future feels uncertain. Help me move forward trusting Your presence and Your promises.

Intention for the Day
Take one small, courageous step toward a responsibility or calling you have been hesitant to embrace.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (Epiphany of the Lord)
Readings: Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–7, 10–14; Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12

Reflection
Epiphany reveals a God who draws the nations not through force, but through light. The Magi refuse to be shaped by Herod’s fear and power, choosing instead to follow a star toward humility, vulnerability, and joy. Isaiah envisions this strange glory—a light that rises in darkness and gathers people across boundaries. Paul proclaims that this mystery is now revealed: God’s grace is not confined, controlled, or owned. To follow the Light is to resist the powers that trade in fear and division and to seek Christ where the world least expects, becoming bearers of that same light in a shadowed world.

Question for Contemplation
What voices of power or fear might you need to resist in order to follow Christ’s light more faithfully?

Prayer
God of radiant light, lead me beyond fear and false power. Shape my life so that I reflect Your justice, mercy, and hope.

Intention for the Day
Notice where fear or control influences your choices today, and choose a response rooted in trust, generosity, or compassion instead.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Readings: Psalm 72; 1 Kings 10:1–13; Ephesians 3:14–21

Reflection
God’s wisdom and glory often appear in unexpected places. Solomon’s reign draws visitors from afar, not through force, but through justice, discernment, and generosity. Psalm 72 calls leaders to care for the oppressed and the poor, reflecting God’s abundant provision. Paul prays that we be rooted and grounded in love, empowered to grasp the vastness of Christ’s presence. Following the Light invites us to embody God’s wisdom in ordinary acts of generosity and care, making God’s kingdom visible through our choices.

Question for Contemplation
Where is God calling you to reflect His wisdom and love in the relationships or work you have today?

Prayer
God of abundant wisdom, teach me to act with discernment and generosity, that my life might shine with Your love.

Intention for the Day
Do one small act that brings encouragement, justice, or provision to someone in need.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Readings: Psalm 72; 1 Kings 10:1–13; Ephesians 3:14–21

Reflection
God’s wisdom and glory often appear in unexpected places. Solomon’s reign draws visitors from afar, not through force, but through justice, discernment, and generosity. Psalm 72 calls leaders to care for the oppressed and the poor, reflecting God’s abundant provision. Paul prays that we be rooted and grounded in love, empowered to grasp the vastness of Christ’s presence. Following the Light invites us to embody God’s wisdom in ordinary acts of generosity and care, making God’s kingdom visible through our choices.

Question for Contemplation
Where is God calling you to reflect His wisdom and love in the relationships or work you have today?

Prayer
God of abundant wisdom, teach me to act with discernment and generosity, that my life might shine with Your love.

Intention for the Day
Do one small act that brings encouragement, justice, or provision to someone in need.

Thursday, January 8, 2026
Readings: Psalm 29; 1 Samuel 3:1–9; Acts 9:1–9

Reflection
God often calls in ways that startle and disrupt. Samuel hears the voice of the Lord in the quiet, and Saul encounters Christ in blinding light. Psalm 29 reminds us that God’s voice is powerful, shaking foundations and bringing life. Responding to God’s call may feel disorienting or even threatening, yet it is the beginning of transformation. Following the Light means paying attention, listening deeply, and being willing to turn toward God even when it surprises or challenges us.

Question for Contemplation
How is God calling you to pay attention to what you might otherwise overlook or resist?

Prayer
God of unexpected callings, open my ears and heart to hear Your voice, and give me courage to follow where You lead.

Intention for the Day
Notice one moment today where God’s guidance or presence might be inviting a response, and take it.

Friday, January 9, 2026
Readings: Psalm 29; 1 Samuel 3:10–4:1a; Acts 9:10–19a

Reflection
Responding to God often requires courage and trust. Samuel’s obedience and Saul’s conversion illustrate that God works through transformation, even when it is unsettling. Psalm 29 celebrates God’s mighty and life-giving voice, calling us to stand in awe and attention. Following the Light means allowing God to reorder our priorities and align our lives with the work of grace, even when it demands letting go of old ways or familiar comforts.

Question for Contemplation
Where is God asking you to step into a change that feels both risky and necessary?

Prayer
Transforming God, help me to respond with courage and openness when Your call disrupts my expectations.

Intention for the Day
Take one concrete step toward a change or commitment you feel God nudging you to make.

Saturday, January 10, 2026
Readings: Psalm 29; 1 Samuel 7:3–17; Acts 9:19b–31

Reflection
Faithfulness to God reshapes communities and hearts. Samuel leads God’s people with prayer and repentance, and Saul begins to proclaim the Good News boldly. Psalm 29 reminds us that God’s voice brings renewal, strength, and life. Following the Light calls us to perseverance, humility, and courage, trusting that even small acts of obedience can have lasting, kingdom-shaping effects.

Question for Contemplation
What is one faithful step you can take today that might contribute to God’s work in your community?

Prayer
God of renewal, strengthen me to live faithfully and boldly, trusting that even small acts of obedience bear fruit.

Intention for the Day
Engage in one act of service, encouragement, or advocacy that supports the wellbeing of others.