Continuing our summer series highlighting the riches of our new September-December Bible reading notes. This week we turn the spotlight on The Upper Room, with its unique global perspective. With the strapline ‘Where the world meets to pray’, the reflections in The Upper Room are written by readers across the world, from Argentina to Zambia.
9 August 2026
Three seasons, three rooms
Daniele Och is the editor of the UK edition, and in his welcome letter to the forthcoming September–December issue, he shares his experience of editing another BRF Resources title, Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story, our 2026 Advent book by Tanya Marlow. He was struck by Tanya’s reading of Luke 2:7: ‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room’ (NRSV).
Dan writes:
The Upper Room gets its name from when one of its founders, Grover Emmons, was inspired by a sermon about how the power of God descended on the disciples as they prayed in an upper room. The preacher of that sermon was presumably referring to Pentecost, although Acts 2 does not specifically mention that the disciples were in an ‘upper room’.
The phrase ‘upper room’ is used, however, to describe the room in which Jesus celebrates the last supper with the disciples: ‘And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready’ (Luke 22:12, KJV).
So what has that to do with Tanya Marlow’s Advent book? Well, in his instructions to his disciples, Jesus also uses another word to refer to where he wants to celebrate his last supper: ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ (Luke 22:11). That phrase, ‘guest room’, is, I learned from Tanya, a translation of the Greek word kataluma. And that word kataluma, she says, is the same word used to describe the place of the nativity: ‘She… laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room’ (Luke 2:7).
I knew that the title The Upper Room had resonances with Pentecost and with Easter. But it was news to me that there is also a connection (even if only a semantic one) with the third of the three main Christian festivals – Christmas!
So, there you have it: you now have a reason to reflect upon the events connected with the ‘upper room’ throughout the Christian year – at Easter, at Pentecost, and at Christmas. And with it coincidentally publishing three times a year, you have The Upper Room to help you do so!’
And to give you a flavour of daily riches in The Upper Room, here’s a selection of reflections from the new issue, including one from Kenya which echoes the theme of Treasures in Straw.
There is a reason to reflect upon the events connected with the ‘upper room’ throughout the Christian year.
The blessing of humility
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
I had volunteered at a church event to distribute food and help clean up. Initially this felt like an insignificant job, and I was reluctant. My friends were on stage leading worship, hosting, and preaching, while I was cleaning up in the back. I began to feel left out. However, I gradually realised that this simple task had meaning. Through serving, I connected with people and saw those in need of help, and I found a sense of fulfilment and peace.
In those moments, I realised that when Jesus spoke of the ‘poor in spirit’, he may have been talking about not being self-centred, focusing instead on God’s calling and love for others. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’, because a humble heart allows us to rely more deeply on God, enabling us to experience the peace and blessings of the kingdom in any situation.
In daily life, we may encounter tasks that seem small and are often overlooked. However, when we embrace these with humility and give our best, we can experience God’s presence even in these small acts of service. True blessings are not born out of pride or self-interest but flow from a humble heart. God’s grace, like a spring, nourishes our lives and refreshes the hearts of others.
Peter Q. (Singapore)
We can experience God’s presence even in small acts of service.
God’s peace and joy
‘I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.’
John 15:11 (CEB)
Christmas is here – that season of joy, peace, and cheer. But when I look around me, I find no joy or cheer. My mother-in-law has surgery coming up. My nephew has been in the ICU for two weeks. And my own current financial situation is dire. I am not in a position to help anyone, including my own kin who are looking to me for assistance.
These factors tended to bring down my cheer and steal my joy until I looked at scripture, specifically John 15:11, which assures me that God wants me to have joy in full.
As you approach the Christmas season this year, I challenge you to spend some time meditating on the fact that Jesus is the source of ultimate peace, hope, and joy! Joy and peace are not dependent upon our situation or circumstances but upon God.
Sammy Mwatha (Kenya)
As you approach Christmas this year, I challenge you to spend some time meditating on the fact that Jesus is the source of ultimate peace, hope, and joy!
God’s good gifts
I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.
Psalm 104:33–34 (NIV)
With the news headlines being particularly depressing, and people around me struggling with their mental and physical health, life felt a little hard. So my sister and I agreed to send each other text messages sharing some of the small things that bring us joy through the day. I found that the more I gave thanks – via the texts or just in my own heart – the more thankful-ness seemed to flow on and fill me up.
When I then read Psalm 104, which describes the wonder of all God’s creation, it showed how there are signs of God’s goodness all around. I felt an even greater surge of joy that, as the closing lines of the psalm say, our thankful meditations can be pleasing to God. Just as we rejoice in God, God delights in us.
Often we don’t feel like giving thanks and praise. Perhaps it is just a dreary day or we are up against tough circumstances. But it’s surprising how once we start thanking or praising, more and more of God’s gifts come to mind. Thanking and praising God doesn’t mean ignoring the times that are hard, but even in the toughest circumstances, God’s goodness remains.
Amy Turner (United Kingdom)
