Merry Christmas Beloved Community!
Wow! Last evening at this time we were finishing up our Christmas Eve service and beginning our time of celebration. I hope everyone is enjoying your time of celebration with family, friends, and neighbors. It has been a wonderful few days. I will do a reflection on these moments tomorrow. I have to marinate my thoughts ( not with alcohol, but spiritually)! Here is one of the many gifts to you in the next 12 days! Our first one is a set of intercessions with this year's set of #AdventWords2017. But wait, I think it is time to do our final #AdventWord Analysis on the word #Celebrate.
cel·e·brate
[ˈseləˌbrāt]
VERB
celebrates (third person present) · celebrating (present participle) · celebrated (past tense) · celebrated (past participle)
publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity:
"they were celebrating their wedding anniversary at a restaurant" · "she celebrated with a glass of champagne"
synonyms: commemorate · observe · mark · keep · honor · remember · memorialize
reach (a birthday or anniversary).
perform (a religious ceremony) publicly and duly, in particular officiate at (the Eucharist):
"he celebrated holy communion"
honor or praise publicly:
"a film celebrating the actor's career"
synonyms: praise · extol · glorify · eulogize · reverence · honor · pay tribute to · laud · acclaimed · admired · highly rated · lionized · revered · honored · esteemed · exalted · vaunted · well-thought-of · ballyhooed · eminent · great · distinguished · prestigious · illustrious · preeminent · estimable · notable · of note · of repute · storied · lauded
antonyms: unsung
ORIGIN
late Middle English (sense 2): from Latin celebrat- ‘celebrated,’ from the verb celebrare, from celeber, celebr- ‘frequented or honored.’
#AdventWord Thesaurus Work: #Celebrate
+++++++
Let us pray and remember and #Celebrate #HashTagsWithMeaning2017 !
God thank you for helping us to #Awaken our spirits from complacency and apathy towards your fragile and broken world.
God we give thanks and #celebrate this year's Advent #Journey to celebrate your Son's arrival here on Earth.
God help us to #Gather together in peace, love, and compassion and serve on another nearby and far away.
God help us to remember to #Simplify our way of living so that we may learn to not to be focused on things but on you.
God help us to #Heal the brokenhearted, the lonely, the lost, and the afraid this time of year and always as we offer the gift of our presence and love.
God help us to #Mend broken relationships and be reconciled one to another.
God. help us when we lose #Focus to return to your holy hearth and what matters most.
God help us to continue to #Prepare our heart homes, nourish our heart roots, and enliven our inner beings not just at Advent but throughout the year.
God.help us we pray to continue to be your light shining #Messenger to a world who is in desperate need of your God News.
God help us we pray to keep #Watch over and protect the most vulnerable so that they may feel loved, safe, and secure.
God give us a #Voice to sing, to protest, and to speak truth to power when you call us to do so. Embolden our voices with strength and courage.
God we give thanks for times of being in the #Wilderness so that we may listen to you and hear your still small voice.
God we help us to put our whole #Trust in you as we did at our baptism.
God we thank you that you chose to come #Among us as Jesus and experience what it is to live here on earth, in a family, suffer, and ultimately give up your life on the cross.
God help us to continue with you and Jesus to be the #Light and carry it to all who are in need of brighter days.
God take from us any reason to #Dazzle and live simple and CALM (Compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful) lived.
God continue to help us be #Open to new calls and life paths with #Open minds, hearts, and spirits.
God give us courage to #Embrace all of our family members who come from diverse backgrounds. We pray for our family members who continue to be marginalized by any means. We remember the many examples Jesus gave us.
God may we continue to #Renew our commitment to you , each other, and the least of these.
God may we continue to hear and follow the many angel's #Greeting as we remember these words "Do not be afraid". Help us to lose the fear, the hatred and #Embrace everyone with love, joy, hope, and peace.
God We give thanks for The Christ #Child born this day to heal us, save us, make us free, and show us the lighted pathway with love and God news.
God thank you for giving us this time to #Celebrate and remember that is okay to have fun and be with our family members and join as one in your Beloved Community. We lift up these #HashTagsWithMeaning2017 prayers to you in Jesus'The Christ #Child's Name. Amen.
Christmas
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and
truth. John 1:14
Light of the World Phos hilaron
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
IN LAK’ECH
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
Luis Valdez
God of love and creator of all we light our candles tonight in celebration of one another. We pray for each person who is praying with us during this prayer vigil and those who are not. We celebrate and pray for all of our family members who are having family celebrations and even loud and happy ones in the neighborhood. We celebrate and give thanks for all of our family members who remind us of you daily. We celebrate and give thanks for love and courage to be beacons of hope, joy, and peace to all of our family members and nations who need it. We celebrate the special moments that remind us to lean upon God and each other. We pray and celebrate the gift of family in special and extraordinary ways. We pray for the least of these whom we should celebrate as reminders that we are to love, serve, and not seek to be divided from them. We pray and celebrate the day when there is now longer hatred, bullying, fear, terror, violence, bigotry, and division. We pray for peace and your Light O God may be reflected in us all and that we may ever remember these words "The Light of Christ in Me, recognizes the Light of Christ in you! We lift up these prayers and thanksgivings and those that are tucked safely in our hearts and heart homes in the name of Jesus your Son, our redeemer, brother, and friend. Amen.
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.
Ruth Carter Stapleton
Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.
Rejoice, that the immortal God is born, so that mortal man may live in eternity.
Jan Hus
98 Cantate Domino
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.
2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.
3 The Lord has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.
7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.
9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,
when he comes to judge the earth.
10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.
Luke 2:1-20
2In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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 for them in the inn.
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,* praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’*
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
A Song of the Heavenly City
Revelation 21:22-26, 22:1-4
I saw no temple in the city, *
for its temple is the God of surpassing strength and the Lamb.
And the city has no need of sun or moon to light it, *
for the glory of God shines on it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
By its light the nations shall walk, *
and the rulers of the world lay their honor and glory there.
Its gates shall never be shut by day, nor shall there be any night; *
into it they will bring the honor and glory of nations.
I saw the clean river of the water of life, bright as crystal, *
flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The tree of life spanned the river, giving fruit every month, *
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of nations.
All curses cease where the throne of God and the Lamb stands,
and all servants give worship there; *
there they will see God’s face, whose Name shall be on their foreheads.
John 1:1-14
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life,* and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.*
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own,* and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,* full of grace and truth.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in you, O God my Savior, *
for you have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me,
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you *
from generation to generation.
You have shown strength with your arm *
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones *
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things *
and sent the rich away empty.
You have come to the help of your servant Israel, *
for you have remembered your promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Christ has no Body
Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks. Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. - Teresa of Avila
Let us pray the Alternative form of the Lord's Prayer as found in the New Zealand Prayer Book
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3–12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10
God of..........
God of Love we give thanks today for all of our family members all over the world may they be sustained by your loving grace.
God of Joy remind us everyday to celebrate life in its fullness and seek to find joy in all things.
God of Kindness, we pray that we may be kind to one another and never take anyone for granted and may we always remember to show kindness and a loving and gentle touch to the least of these.
God of Generosity, may we seek to give cheerfully from our hearts and may we always be ready to give of ourselves.
God of all Gentleness may we always remember to treat our family members who are ill with a gentle touch and a kind word.
God of all Patience and Self Control ,may we seek to wait upon you and rein in our actions that we may find ourselves running headlong into without thought or discernment.
God of all Faithfulness, May we ever be faithful in word and deed and that we may follow you wherever you are leading us. May we never lose sight that our faith is a beacon of the Light of Christ to all of our family members.
God of Peace may we pray for peace in this Your broken and fragile world . Help us to become peace makers.
God of all Goodness, we pray that we may learn what it means to be good and carry that goodness into the world and to others.
God of healing mercy and grace we lift up these our petitions to you especially for___________________
Gracious God we celebrate Walk With Me On Our Journey. May it continue to expand our hearts, enliven our spirits, quicken our steps, and may the Waters of Life continue to course through our veins as your response to Love, care, welcome all in your Name. Amen.
God of Love we give thanks today for all of our family members all over the world may they be sustained by your loving grace.
God of Joy remind us everyday to celebrate life in its fullness and seek to find joy in all things.
God of Kindness, we pray that we may be kind to one another and never take anyone for granted and may we always remember to show kindness and a loving and gentle touch to the least of these.
God of Generosity, may we seek to give cheerfully from our hearts and may we always be ready to give of ourselves.
God of all Gentleness may we always remember to treat our family members who are ill with a gentle touch and a kind word.
God of all Patience and Self Control ,may we seek to wait upon you and rein in our actions that we may find ourselves running headlong into without thought or discernment.
God of all Faithfulness, May we ever be faithful in word and deed and that we may follow you wherever you are leading us. May we never lose sight that our faith is a beacon of the Light of Christ to all of our family members.
God of Peace may we pray for peace in this Your broken and fragile world . Help us to become peace makers.
God of all Goodness, we pray that we may learn what it means to be good and carry that goodness into the world and to others.
God of healing mercy and grace we lift up these our petitions to you especially for___________________
Gracious God we celebrate Walk With Me On Our Journey. May it continue to expand our hearts, enliven our spirits, quicken our steps, and may the Waters of Life continue to course through our veins as your response to Love, care, welcome all in your Name. Amen.
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.
Let us Sow Seeds of:
C= Compassion
A= Acceptance
L= Love
M = Mercy
Let us speak in words that are:
C= Comforting
A= Appreciative
L= Living and Loving
M= Mindful and Matter
Let our deeds be:
C= Caring and Compassionate
A= Admirable
L= Life giving
M= Mannerly
Let us choose to live a life of Compassion, Acceptance, Love, and Mercy. Let choose to speak in words that are courageous, amiable, enLightening, Mannered, and Make sense and don't harm or divide. Let our deeds be all these things.
Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
The Wisdom of God
the Love of God
and the Grace of God
strengthen you
to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,
in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
++++
Good Night Beloved Ones have a wonderful Christmas Season! We have 12 days and here is the beginning of our new song!
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a new pair of sneakers for our prayer walking journey.
Tune in tomorrow as our crazy gift list grows.
With love and thanksgiving!
Sara
Resources
In Lak 'Ech -Luis Valdez
Walk With Me On Our Journey
Enriching Our Worship 1997
Quote Sites for Prayers and Christmas Quotes
Satucket for lectionary texts
A New Zealand Prayer Book
No comments:
Post a Comment