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 Read Exodus 12:1-14. As we read of the first Passover, we begin to understand the connection with this story and the New Testament references to Jesus as the Lamb of God. In verse 7, the Israelites are instructed to paint the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood of the slaughtered lamb. This is to be a sign that keeps death at bay. 

I am reminded of the tradition, celebrated at Epiphany, called, “Chalking the Door.” Each year, families chalk the door with the new year, separated by the letters C+M+B. For example, this year, it would have been 20+C+M+B+26. The letters stand for the Latin words Christus Mansionem Benedictat, which means “May Christ bless this house.” It is also a symbol that this is a household of hospitality, safety, healing, and rest. 

How has Christ blessed your house this year? How has your home served as a center of hospitality, safety, healing, and rest for you, your family, and visitors? 

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for your home and invite Christ to bless it once again.

Read Psalm 149. In this psalm of praise, we can imagine an animated, vigorous celebration, complete with shouting and dancing and singing at the top of your lungs. In other words, about the opposite of what we’re used to in our own worship services. 

Why is this? What keeps us from expressing our thanks and praise with such abandon? Are we too self-conscious? Are we too proud? In verse 4, we read God adorns the humble with victory. What would it look like to set down our pride and worship with great enthusiasm and humility? 

Sometime today when you’re in the car or in the shower, practice this type of worship. Bonus points if you do it where someone else can hear!

Read Romans 13:8-14. Paul reminds us in verses 11-12 that it is time to wake from our sleep for salvation is nearer than it ever has been. This is the truth each day with which we are gifted. Each day brings the opportunity to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” in the way we think, speak, and act. Each day brings the opportunity to speak words of hope, to bring light to someone’s day. Each day brings the opportunity to forgive someone or to make amends. 

If you knew this was your last day, what conversations would you have? With whom would you want to spend time? Why not take advantage of this day? Why wait? 

In prayer, ask God to enliven your faith and compel you to shine the light of love into the lives of others.

Read Matthew 18:15-20. Here, Jesus gives a step-by-step approach to resolving conflict. If someone hurts us, we are to speak honestly and openly with the person, revealing the pain that we have experienced. If that doesn’t seem to help, then we are to ask for help from one or two trusted friends. If the one who has done harm still won’t listen, then involve more people. If even that won’t work, then take a break from that relationship. 

It seems that we live in a culture that skips the hard work of honest dialogue and either blasts their grievances to anyone who will listen or puts a halt to any contact. How different would social media or the news or television or our own personal lives look if we privately hashed out our differences? What pain might be avoided? What hurtful words might go unsaid? Think of someone with whom you have a difficult relationship. Would a calm, honest conversation be helpful?

 In prayer, ask God for the courage to have difficult conversations, for the humility to admit your own part in a problem, and for the peace to offer forgiveness.