Merry Christmas Dear Family of Love!
Well we are finally here or almost depending upon where you live when you read this. Tonight is our final #AdventWord #Celebrate! Tonight I would like us to write down in our journals or in a Christmas Card what you have to be grateful for and are celebrating. Tonight I am celebrating a family of love that is so vast I may not even know your name. I most especially am celebrating Jesus, God incarnate, man divine who was born in Bethlehem. How are we going to #Celebrate this occasion? Let's do it with hearts on fire with love for all humankind and living things. Tonight it is all about prayers and the Good News of Christ's birth. Tonight I was the lector at church and read the following lessons:
Collects
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.
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Psalm 96
Cantate Domino
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.
2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.
and his wonders among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.
he is more to be feared than all gods.
5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.
6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!
7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the Lord honor and power.
ascribe to the Lord honor and power.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.
bring offerings and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.
let the whole earth tremble before him.
10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.
12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.
13 He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.
and the peoples with his truth.
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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 for them in the inn.In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
[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." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
[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." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Now let us light our vigil candles and pray for the peace in this fragile and broken world.
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 celebrated 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.
The Song of Mary Magnificat
Luke 1:46-55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as It was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Dear God we pray for all mothers who are in childbirth tonight. May they have safe deliveries and healthy babies. May the new fathers be like Joseph and be patient and take each day as it comes without the anxiety of fatherhood.
We pray for all those who travel and pray that there will be room in the inn for each guest and that hospitality will be offered and shown along the way.
We pray for all those who have to work while we enjoy Christmas with our families and friends.
We pray for all parents who are empty nesters who won't have their children near them this year and that all of us may be understanding with the changing family dynamics in our families.
We pray for all who sorrow as Jesus did when he wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus. May we be awake to the presence of our family members in the Thin Places and know that they are nearby and that we will see them again.
We give thanks for each other the love, friendship, and familyhood you have brought together in pray and allowing us To Walk with you on our journey together. Amen.
Or these
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.
The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis
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.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. 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.
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Merry Christmas Dear Ones! I celebrate and give thanks for you this night and always.
Enjoy your time with your beloved ones. Remember we are all Family no matter what.
With love, peace and blessings !
Sara
Now Take time to listen to these Christmas Carols!
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