Saturday Prayers: Christmas Weekend, 2017

Christmas Weekend: December 23rd-24th-25th 2017

Sunday Advent Four – The Sunday of Love

I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to his word. Luke 1.38

Heavenly Father, who chose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sleepers, wake! A voice astounds us; “Awake, Jerusalem, arise” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken, their urgent summons clearly spoken: The time has come, rise up and give us light. Hasten there that we may share the feast. (adapted from a 15th century text by Phillipp Nicolai)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – Pray that the King of Peace may be born in the hearts and minds of all people.

 

Monday, December 25th: Christmas Day

Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all people, for to you is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord. (Luke 2. v 10 and 11)

Heavenly Father whose word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith, illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“Love came down at Christmas time, love all lovely, love Divine; Love came down at Christmas – star and angels gave the sign. 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 shall I give Him – give my heart.”(Christina Rossetti)

By the mystery of the word made flesh, hear us, Lord and grant us your peace. By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, hear us, Lord and be our peace. Grant that the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Walk with us Lord for the journey is great. Amen.

At this time our prayers are asked for our dear friend, long time leading member, and Royal, Princess Renate, who is very ill in Hospital in Chicago. Lord, they whom you love are sick and we pray for them.

Christmas Blessings to all.

 

Blessings,

nnDnn Archdeacon Ron Matthewman, Vicar General Emeritus

OSMTH-I