Dear Family of Love!
As I was having dinner at Maya Mexican restaurant tonight while listening to the strains of Mariachi music, I was feeling yet again God's gentle tap on my shoulder and the beginning of tonight's layout for the blog. I don't usually have a clue as to what will be on each night's canvass until I start to write.
We all need to make and take time to experience all that is holy during the holidays! Remember Holidays is a smoosh combo of two words Holy and Days and Holly hasn't anything to do about it either. Well how do we do this? In our efforts to keep it simple here is our plan:
Take time to rest and pray.
Take time to listen to sacred and nice Christmas music.
Walk in God's Cathedral of Life'
Take time to rest and pray,
Take time to gather with family members who are in need of prayer and support.
Take time to worship in a church setting or outdoors.
Take time to rest and pray.
Take time to reconnect with family members who you have lost contact with.
Take time to attend sing alongs and concerts.
Take time to rest and pray.
Take time for artistic pursuits.
Take time to walk in God's Cathedral of Life
Take time to rest and pray
Take time to walk, pray, and sing
Walk a sacred path such as a labyrinth or Stations of the Cross. I will give you a prayer walk with Christmas stations of the Creche or (Posada) tonight
Take time to rest and pray.
Take time for fellowship and renewal.
Take time to love one another all the time and reestablish familial bonds.
+++++
Dear Lord we pray that as we walk, remember, and prepare our hearts to receive you again may we walk and pray together in joyful expectation along this sacred route with you.May we feel your loving presence as we pray, walk, and reflect.
Stations of the Creche
I. Mary receives word that she is to bear the Christ child.
"Be it unto me according to your Word"
Lord may we say yes to your call and walk with you in love and not fear.
II. Mary Tells Joseph her news!
"Do not be afraid Joseph to Take Mary as your wife"
Help us to not be afraid when God presents us with difficulty. May we seek to have faith and resiliency.
III. Joseph receives word about needing to go to Bethlehem to be enrolled
Lord help us to remember that we are all written in your Book of life and that we are precious to you and every hair on our heads are counted.
IV. Mary and Joseph set out on the road to Bethlehem.
Lord God we pray for all who travel and pray for safe passage wherever we go this season.
V, Mary and Joseph seek shelter as Mary goes into labor.
Lord God we pray for all who seek shelter this night and for all women who are in labor. We pray for safety for all who are the least of these our family members. May we offer our homes and hearts as shelters from any kind of storm.
VI. Mary and Joseph take shelter in a manger
Lord God it is good to be in this manger as a reminder that all living things are precious to you and that we all must eat the Bread of eternal life in new mangers as we feast with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist at God's Holy Table set with Bread and Wine.
VII Jesus is Born
Come let us adore him and give thanks that Jesus came into God's world to redeem, heal, and teach us how to be brothers and sisters one to another. We give thanks that on that most holy night we were no longer strangers but the Family of Love.
VIII. Angelic Hosts tell the Shepherds "Do not be afraid"! Follow the Star to the Manger and greet with joy the birth of the Messiah.
Lord God may we never be afraid to come and meet and greet our Lord in all persons, places, and situations.
IX. The Magi Visit Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Lord God, teach us to be giving of our time, talents, treasures, and ourselves. Help us to give and receive the Gift of presence from you and others.
X. Herod sets out to kill the Holy Innocents.
Lord God, we pray for peace in the world and an end to violence against all your children , young and old. We pray for your holy and loving protection to surround them wherever they may be.
XI Jesus, Mary, and Joseph take flight into Egypt.
Lord God, we pray for all refugees who are fleeing wars, economic situations, religious persecution, and political uncertainty. We pray that they may return to their homes and livelihoods and if they are to stay where they have taken flight to that they may be welcomed not as strangers but as members of the family of love.
XII. Jesus, Mary and Joseph return home to Nazareth.
Lord God we pray that as we return home from work or travel that our homes may be havens of peace and places of refreshment for all of our family members.
These prayers may be interspersed after each station:
46 And Mary[a] said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
The Lord's Prayer
(traditional)
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
The Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
++++++++
Good Night Dear Family of Love! Don't forget to put your worries, anxieties, fears into the Worry/Sabbath Box. Have no fear Self-Care Saturday will soon be here. I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always!
Love, peace,hope, and joyful expectation as we await the coming of our Lord,
Sara
No comments:
Post a Comment