Messages from Pastor Ken
Advent and Christmas Prayers—Weekday Prayers by Rev. Kenneth C. Landin
December 22, 2025. Prayer 2108. A Light to the Nations
Preparing for Christmas we put candles in the front windows. In my childhood years we had plastic candles with a single orange electric bulb. We had to use tape to keep them from falling of the window sill. Is this not like our faith community’s message to the nations? In Isaiah 49:6 the Lord says, “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” The Christmas story is hope, peace, joy and love born into the world. An orange candle proclaims it. The people passing by are from all over the world. That’s the meaning of Christmas.
Dear God, may the lights I hang at Christmastime proclaim to all that you are coming, even to my small corner. Amen.
December 23, 2025. Prayer 2109. Quieted by Love
A crying newborn is proclaiming a message loudly for all to hear. I’m hungry. I’m achy. I have a gas bubble. I’m lonely. I’m afraid. Do grown ups ever really grow out of those messages? Our fears never leave us. That’s what it means to be alive. The prophet Zephaniah in 3:16 proclaims, “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; the Lord will rejoice over you with gladness, and will quiet you by love.” Rage cannot drive out rage—only love can do that, says our great reformers. Don’t you want to rock the Christ child to sleep?
Dear God, I pray that your deep peace may settle upon the world at Christmastime, quieting distressed hearts. Amen.
December 24, 2025. Prayer 2110. Sunrise Shall Visit Us
A red sunrise indicates weather coming in. Why is this good news? It proclaims a new day is starting. This is a welcome event. John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. John’s father worked in the temple doing holy tasks. In Luke 1:67-79 he proclaims the what his son will do saying, “You will go before the Lord to prepare the way. You will let them know God forgives their sins. God will save us from our enemies. God will guide our feet into the way of peace. Because of the tender mercy of our God, the sunrise shall visit us from on high.” Never underestimate God’s flashlight.
Dear God, when the lights go out on the human grid, let us see your light shining ever greater from on high! Amen.
December 25, 2025. Prayer 2111. Made Their Way
Jesus is the Way. On Christmas we remember the story of Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem. The angels and the shepherds make their way to the manger. The magi travel a long way to see the newborn. When grown up, Jesus makes his way through the desert. On his way of faithfulness he learns these lessons: “In times of hunger—we live by God’s Word. In times of temptation—we need not put God to the test, but trust. Given the opportunity to rule the world—we serve God, not ourselves.” Jesus has us see the Way: we pray with scripture, we trust and worship God.
Dear God, on Christmas Day, may I not give into reducing your Way to my way but increase my faith in every day. Amen.
December 26, 2025. Prayer 2112. Pondering What’s Next
Our hearts are full of wonder. Our hearts are full of uncertainty. After Jesus was born, visitors come to see him. Shepherds, angels, kings. In Luke 2:19 it says, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Did she worry, “What’s next?” Soon King Herod decreed that all male newborns in Bethlehem be killed. Mary and Joseph travelled 300 miles to escape and live in Egypt for safety. Would this make baby Jesus a refugee? The Bible accounts confirm this. Matthew 2:15 reports it was to fulfill the prophets, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Baby on the run!
Dear God, we are amazed at the story of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. May we all gain faithfulness in this story. Amen.