A vigil for the Innocents: This year that would be all of us!

Good Evening Beloved Community,

Happy Being Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday! I can't believe it has been an entire week since we were preparing for Christmas and getting ready to enter the manger once again. Time marches on whether we like it or not. Life is like that. Today is the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents. This year I feel that we all have become Holy Innocents through no fault of our own.  The reason is this : we have been marginalized by forces in our government who haven't figured out that we are all to be included no matter what. This daily occurrence makes me heart sick. Tonight we hold vigil and make holy space in our healing circle for all of us who are the new Innocents. 


We begin our time together with these favorite quotes from Christina Rossetti and Jeremiah

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas; Star and angels gave the sign.
Christina Rossetti


Jeremiah:
"A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."

Tread softly! All the earth is holy ground.

Christina Rossetti

Born in a stable,
Cradled in a manger,
In the world His hands have made,
Born a stranger.
Christina Rossetti


Christmas hath a darkness; 
Brighter than the blazing noon; 
Christmas hath a chillness
Warmer than the heat of June, 
Christmas hath a beauty
Lovelier than the world can show: 
For Christmas bringeth Jesus, 
Brought for us so low
Christina Rossetti



God as we make vigil and pray we take time to quiet ourselves and enter into your holy presence.

God we light our candles in solidarity with refugees, visitors, and all people who are coming to this country for varying reasons. Help us to be welcoming without being fearful and needing to be divisive and indifferent. Help us to practice radical hospitality with compassion, acceptance, love, and mercy.

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

As we must always do on these occasions we must remember the Holy Innocents who remind us of everyone who is in danger, genocide, and exclusion . Let us remember in prayer and scripture.

God we continue in the words of the African Proverb: "IF YOU SPEAK MY NAME, I WILL LIVE FOREVER." Speak the names of those in transition and who have died: Jennifer, Zelda, Joy, and all others who are on our hearts this night. 

I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.Jeremiah 31:13


19 Cœli enarrant

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.

2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.

3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,

4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.

5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.

6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect
and revives the soul; *
the testimony of the Lord is sure
and gives wisdom to the innocent.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just
and rejoice the heart; *
the commandment of the Lord is clear
and gives light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is clean
and endures for ever; *
the judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,
more than much fine gold, *
sweeter far than honey,
than honey in the comb.

11 By them also is your servant enlightened, *
and in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can tell how often he offends? *
cleanse me from my secret faults.

13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;
let them not get dominion over me; *
then shall I be whole and sound,
and innocent of a great offense.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
46 Deus noster refugium

1 God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

3 Though its waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

4 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy habitation of the Most High.

6 God is in the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day.

7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

8 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
  

9 Come now and look upon the works of the Lord, *
what awesome things he has done on earth.

10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.

11 "Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."

12 The Lord of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

A Song of Our True Nature

Julian of Norwich

Christ revealed our frailty and our falling, *

our trespasses and our humiliations.

Christ also revealed his blessed power, *

his blessed wisdom and love.

He protects us as tenderly and as sweetly when we are in greatest need; *

he raises us in spirit

and turns everything to glory and joy without ending.

God is the ground and the substance, the very essence of nature; *

God is the true father and mother of natures.

We are all bound to God by nature, *

and we are all bound to God by grace.

And this grace is for all the world, *

because it is our precious mother, Christ.

For this fair nature was prepared by Christ

for the honor and nobility of all, *

and for the joy and bliss of salvation

Isaiah 54:1-13

54Sing, O barren one who did not bear;

   burst into song and shout,

   you who have not been in labour!

For the children of the desolate woman will be more

   than the children of her that is married, says the Lord. 

2 Enlarge the site of your tent,

   and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;

do not hold back; lengthen your cords

   and strengthen your stakes. 

3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left,

   and your descendants will possess the nations

   and will settle the desolate towns. 

4 Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;

   do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace;

for you will forget the shame of your youth,

   and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more. 

5 For your Maker is your husband,

   the Lord of hosts is his name;

the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,

   the God of the whole earth he is called. 

6 For the Lord has called you

   like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,

like the wife of a man’s youth when she is cast off,

   says your God. 

7 For a brief moment I abandoned you,

   but with great compassion I will gather you. 

8 In overflowing wrath for a moment

   I hid my face from you,

but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,

   says the Lord, your Redeemer. 

9 This is like the days of Noah to me:

   Just as I swore that the waters of Noah

   would never again go over the earth,

so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you

   and will not rebuke you. 

10 For the mountains may depart

   and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

   and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,

   says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 

11 O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted,

   I am about to set your stones in antimony,

   and lay your foundations with sapphires.* 

12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies,

   your gates of jewels,

   and all your wall of precious stones. 

13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord,

   and great shall be the prosperity of your children.

A Song of Judith

Judith 16:13-16

I will sing a new song to my God, *

for you are great and glorious, wonderful in strength, invincible.

Let the whole creation serve you, *

for you spoke and all things came into being.

You sent your breath and it formed them, *

no one is able to resist your voice.

Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths, *

rocks melt like wax at your presence.

But to those who fear you, *

you continue to show mercy.

No sacrifice, however fragrant, can please you, *

but whoever fears the Lord shall stand in your sight for ever.

126 In convertendo

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *

then were we like those who dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *

and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3 Then they said among the nations, *

"The Lord has done great things for them."

4 The Lord has done great things for us, *

and we are glad indeed.

5 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *

like the watercourses of the Negev.

6 Those who sowed with tears *

will reap with songs of joy.

7 Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *

will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Coventry Carol

Coventry Carol

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day;

This poor Youngling for whom we sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day;

His men of might, in his own sight,

All children young, to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,

And ever mourn and say;

For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Canticle 15

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.

In The Bleak Mid-Winter

In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan;

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain,

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty —

Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom Cherubim

Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk

And a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him, whom Angels

Fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel

Which adore.

Angels and Archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air;

But only His Mother

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am? —

If I were a Shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part, —

Yet what I can I give Him, —

Give my heart.

-Christina Rossetti

Holy Father,
your Son was saved from the slaughter of infants 
at the hand of Herod;
grant that we may never be indifferent 
to the sufferings of your children,
but may bring them help and compassion in your unfailing love,
now and for ever. (NZPB)

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (BCP)

Loving Jesus, let the tears of Rachel express our desolation,

let her weep for battered babies and clinical deformity,

weep for human cruelty and ignorance and arrogance.

Loving Jesus, may we weep with her,

may we see what we are doing,

what is happening to us;

help us repair it soon.

(NZPB)

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.




or

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.

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

 In Bethlehem a newborn boy

Rosamond E Herklots

1. In Bethlehem a newborn boy

was hailed with songs of praise and joy.

Then warning came of danger near:

King Herod's troops would soon appear.

2. The soldiers sought the Child in vain:

not yet was he to share our pain,

but down the ages rings the cry

of those who saw their children die.

3. Still rage the fires of hate today,

and innocents the price must pay,

while aching hearts in every land

cry out, 'We cannot understand!'

4. Lord Jesus, through our night of loss

shines out the wonder of your cross,

the love that cannot cease to bear

our human anguish everywhere.

5. May that great love our lives control

and conquer hate in every soul,

till, pledged to build and not destroy,

we share your pain and find your joy.

A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.

Beloved God, as we approach your Presence, guide and stir us

with your Holy Spirit, that we may become one body, one spirit in

Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

God we pray for all the Innocents of this world responding with God hear us as we pray.

God we pray for all innocent lives that have been violated physically and emotionally, by acts of bigotry, bullying, discrimination, abuse, hatred, inequality, and any act that separates your Children one from another.

God hear us as we pray.

God we pray that compassion, acceptance, love and mercy and justice may spread throughout this fragile and broken world.

God hear us as we pray.

God we pray for all Innocent lives of the LGBT Community that have been threatened and killed by acts of hatred.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all children who are caught in the midst of war, terror, abuse, and swiftly changing family dynamics. 

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all parents and children  who are mourning the loss of their beloved children and parents. We pray for their innocent hearts that have been broken. May they be comforted and healed.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all innocent wildlife that are threatened by extinction and endangerment as a species.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all innocent family members who have been victims of gun violence by law enforcement officers and others. 

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all innocent and vulnerable people who have been marginalized and made to feel invisible.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all our innocent family members who are caught in the crossfire of political and sectarian violence.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all who are victims of injustice, war crimes, and pray that we may strive for justice and peace and "Respect the dignity of every human being'

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all our innocent family members who are houseless, hungry, and ill clad who are faced with another night without proper shelter and safety.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all innocent lives who are victims of human rights violations , human trafficking, coyotes, and immigration strangleholds by persons who are in the business of modern day slavery.

God hear us as we pray.

We pray for all the innocents that come to our minds and hearts as we name them now______.

God hear us as we pray.

We pledge and stand with the vulnerable as we pray and take the Matthew 25 pledge:

I pledge to protect and defend vulnerable people in the name of Jesus  (G-D)

We pray for_________________

We remember_______________

We give thanks to God for_____

O God our shield and armor of light, whom we adore with all the

angelic host: defend us from evil; watch over any who are in

danger this night and give your angels charge over them; and

grant that we may always rejoice in your heavenly protection and

serve you bravely in the world; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

God of unchangeable power, when you fashioned the world the

morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for

joy; open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us

to use all things for good, to the honor of your glorious name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(source: A New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 569)

It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from humanity as first fruits for God and the Lamb. Revelation 14:4

May the blessing of the God of Abraham and Sarah, and of Jesus

Christ born of our sister Mary, and of the Holy Spirit, who broods

over the world as a mother over her children, be upon you and

remain with you always. Amen

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Let us once again do our yearly guided meditation:

Walking in the footsteps of a refugee

                        A Guided Meditation and Virtual Prayer Walk

Let us imagine ourselves through the eyes of a refugee and pray along the way.

Imagine you have decided to leave the only home you and your family have ever known.

God I don't want to live in this country where my children and husband and I are having to dodge bullets and face daily fears.  God help us to have courage to leave this war torn city and country and find safety.

Imagine having to carry a loaded in a backpack without any of the usual comfort items.

God I'm not ready to become homeless but in order to find a better life for my family I must Give me courage to take what I really need for my husband, children and myself.

Imagine the first day on the road by foot. How do your feet feel and what does your body feel like going long distances?

God my feet feel like they have become calloused, blistered, and in a lot of pain. Give us courage to honor our bodies, minds, and spirits when we need to as we flee our country of origin.

Imagine not having enough warmth on these cold nights out in the open.

God help us to find a suitable place of shelter for the night and that we may find warmth.

Imagine meeting up with other refugees and telling your stories and developing a new kind of family.

God we thank you that we have met many of our fellow refugee families and that we finally realize that we are all in this as one big family. God help us to find and make lasting friendships and that we may find safety together.

Imagine being in danger and seeing lawless gangs.

God help us to remain safe and secure and we pray for our enemies and those who wish to do us harm.

Imagine us having to find shelter, clothing, and food everyday on the road and there aren't any refugee camps nearby.

God help us to find shelter, clothing,food everyday. Help us to keep our eyes and ears open to finding refugee camps that are run by compassionate, accepting, loving, and merciful people.

Imagine becoming ill on the road.

God help us to find ways to cope with illness each day that we are not in familiar territory.

Imagine having a loved one die on the road. 

God help us to mourn our loved ones loss on the road and that we may honor their bodies by burying them reverently in the ground. Help us to always to remember to carry white sheets for burial shrouds along the way.

Imagine you have finally reached the refugee camps and are awaiting resettlement. 

God we thank you for finally reaching the camp and we pray that we may have patience to wait our turn to go through the resettlement process.

Imagine the day when you meet your sponsoring family.

(Alternate imagining:)

Imagine you get to this country and are told to turn back because of your religious status and  ethnic origin.

God help us to remain cool and seek help from loving people who really care)

God we thank you for our new family. Help us  when it is our turn to welcome the stranger that we may model our lives after you Jesus and remember that you, Mary, and Joseph were refugees too.

And

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.

Alternative close

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



May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of
the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you
may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his
sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever.    Hebrews 13:20-21


Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. 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.


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)

Current Blogs for Prayers and Vigils:

A time to be gentle with one another and know that love is the key. Holding sacred vigil !

A Compilation of Prayers

Continuing to hold Sacred Space

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Good Night Beloved Community! I love you and Give thanks to God for you always.

A bonus:

A reflection:

This is the first day in many I am not at the Faith Factory/Church but wait! This isn't true, wherever we are we are the Church. Church isn't the building, it is we the people who make up the church. We carry church and being members of the Beloved Community from place to place , person to person, loving God all the way on the Way. God calls us each day to be God's movable church and feast. We must carry God to everyone in our thoughts, words, deeds, and most especially in our heart homes. When you feel fatigued and who doesn't these post hullabaloo days God does give us enough Love Energy to carry on and do the things necessary for our community. Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Our faith when when we are fatigued works the same way. God gives us just the right amount of Love energy to give of ourselves to our family members. All we need to do is channel it and that means sitting quietly and being in God's holy presence. Now a prayerful reminder from St. Teresa of Avila 

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.

If you can't do a lot today, just live, move a little bit, and just be! Don't forget to be CALM (Compassionate, Accepting, Loving, and Merciful ) With God, To All our Family of Love, and don't forget yourselves.

With love and lots of it along with many blessings and a heart home wide open just for you. 

Sara

Bonus lessons for The Feast of the Holy Innocents (Eucharistic Readings) -LectionaryPage. net

Jeremiah 31:15-17

Thus says the Lord:

A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children, 

because they are no more.

Thus says the Lord:

Keep your voice from weeping,

and your eyes from tears;

for there is a reward for your work,

says the Lord:

they shall come back from the land of the enemy;

there is hope for your future,

says the Lord: 

your children shall come back to their own country.

The Psalm

Psalm 124

Nisi quia Dominus

1 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;

2 If the Lord had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;

3 Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;

4 Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;

5 Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.

6 Blessed be the Lord! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.

Revelation 21:1-7

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“See, the home of God is among mortals. 

He will dwell with them as their God; 

they will be his peoples, 

and God himself will be with them; 

he will wipe every tear from their eyes. 

Death will be no more; 

mourning and crying and pain will be no more, 

for the first things have passed away.”

And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Matthew 2:13-18

When the wise men had departed, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

"A voice was heard in Ramah,

wailing and loud lamentation,

Rachel weeping for her children;

she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."

Resources:

Satucket -Lectionary Page

BCPONLINE

Enriching Our Worship

A to Z quotes -Christina Rossetti

New Zealand Prayer Book.

Quote sites for hymn lyrics

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