Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 30, 2025

Date: Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Scripture Text:  1 John 2:12-17

I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven for his name's sake.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the Evil One.

I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One.

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today from the 1^st Letter of John reminds us of the blessings that are ours through the loving presence and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, according to the will of the Father. And we are called to live in that redemption and set aside the “things of the world” that tend to separate us from that divine and loving presence.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How attentive am I to the LORD’s call to me to embrace His transformative and redemptive love and set aside the “things of the world” that can drive a wedge between my and my LORD?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son, your only-begotten Son, to dwell among us, to teach us, to lead us through word and example, and to show us the power of love lived through His self-sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. During this time of year when we celebrate your gift of your Son to us, born in Bethlehem, we ask that You send your Spirit to help us keep this space in our minds and hearts and souls for your Son. Grant that we may fully embrace salvation from You, through the Son, in the Spirit. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.