Each year, in Herrnhut, Germany, members of the Provincial Board of the European Continental Province draw a Watchword for the year for each Province of our world-wide Moravian Church. These texts are drawn for a collection dating to the 1700’s.

The 2021 Watchword for the Southern Province is the Old Testament text for December 29:

"I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths." Psalm 30:1 NIV

The accompanying doctrinal or teaching text from the New Testament is:

"The dawn from on high [will] give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:78-79

The prayer for the day, as found in the U.S. edition of the Daily Texts is also fitting:

"Bright Morningstar, you came to earth to lift up humanity and light our way to lives of peace. Help us carry that light into the world, so that all can see your goodness and love. Amen. "