Day 3/December 27 Devotion

Reflection by Alyssa Prinzivalli
Director of Congregational Ministries at King of Kings Lutheran in Fairfax, VA;
Endorsed Candidate for Word and Service, Wartburg Seminary

Tucked behind the Capitol Building and Supreme Court downtown lies my favorite lesser-known museum, the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. It was the home to the National Woman’s Party for over 90 years, it is full of history, stories, and artifacts showcasing the suffragette movement that afforded white women the right to vote. Walking up the staircase there is an original banner that reads: Forward, out of darkness, leave behind the night. Forward out of error, forward into the light.

The words struck me the first time I read them and my mind continues to go back to them during trying times; these words seem especially fitting for both the final days of 2020, a year that was truly difficult, and our celebration of Christmas. Christ, our Light, has come into the world through humble means; we are no longer beholden to our past errors because in Christ, through the work of God and the power of the Holy Spirit we are made new every single day. The Christ child, born in Bethlehem, pulls us forward out of error, forward into the light. 

John 1:1-5

  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Questions to Ponder

1. What is a saying that continually comes back to you? 
2. How have those words helped you in difficult times?
3. What does forward look like for you?
4. How can you remember that we are moving forward through Christ, our Light, and that God’s mercies are new every day?

Silence for Reflection

Prayer

Loving Creator, You know how hard this year has been because you have been there with us through every stumble and set back. As we look to move forward into the Light that is your son, Jesus Christ, continue to be with us. Remind us that each morning we are made new and our past errors are no more.

Be with us this day and always, through Jesus Christ, our Light and Lord, Amen.