for 12/28/2014, 1st Sunday after
Christmas, Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3,
Ps 147:13-21, Galatians 3:23-26, 4:4-7; John 1:1-18
He
became what we are
that he might make us
what he is.
–
Athanasius of Alexandria [ca296-373 CE]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and lived among us...
[John 1:1,14a]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word became flesh and lived among us...
[John 1:1,14a]
How many times have we heard the beginning of the Gospel of John? Of course we have probably more often heard the recognizable phrasing that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." Have you ever actually thought about what it means or is it just a familiar refrain that passes by? For me, it crystallizes more clearly in part of the 6th century creed from Dublin known as Tírechán’s Creed when speaking of God it says:
He has a Son who is co-eternal with himself;
and
similar in all respects to himself;
and
neither is the Son younger than the Father,
nor is
the Father older than the Son;
and the
Holy Spirit breathes in them.
And the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
are inseparable.So now, thinking through the opening of John's Gospel, Jesus - who in the beginning is the Word of God, who is with God, who is God, and then becomes fully human and lives among us - is suddenly changed from a vague intellectual concept of the Word to what is now flesh, blood, breathing, beating heart, like us. Jesus, God's Promise, our Redeemer, is born, an integral part of the Holy Trinity has come to be as we are to make us as He is, again. Now that's a Gift that keeps on giving - what will we give in return?
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY
Leader: ~ Creator God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, into this fullness of time You have sent our
Messiah, woman-borne, to redeem us as Your own children. Let us rejoice with
our whole beings, as heirs of Your eternal Kingdom, justified by faith,
proclaimers of Christ’s grace and truth.
Triune God - LORD, Word,
and Spirit
RESPONSE: You are our Light in the darkness, may our
lives reflect Your glory
~
Creator God of All That Is, Seen and
Unseen, help us to embrace the Spirit of the Son that You have sent into our
hearts. Grant us the courage to raise up the call for righteousness, peace, and
mercy to those in governments and holders of authority, lawful and otherwise,
in our own country and across the earth. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Triune God - LORD, Word, and Spirit
You are our Light in the darkness, may our lives reflect Your glory
~
Creator God of All That Is, Seen and
Unseen, let us stand outside of ourselves to see with new eyes those who are
ill, lonely, homeless, or desperate, and find ways to provide needed love and
help. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Triune God - LORD, Word, and Spirit
You are our Light in the darkness, may our lives reflect Your glory
~
Creator God of All That Is, Seen and
Unseen, shelter those bearing the weight of grief, especially at this time, as
we remember those we love who are now complete in the radiance and joy of Your
eternal life. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Triune God - LORD, Word, and Spirit
~ Creator God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently…
You are our Light in the darkness, may our lives reflect Your glory
~ Creator God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud or silently…
Triune God - LORD, Word, and Spirit
You are our Light in the darkness, may our lives reflect Your glory
~
Creator God of All That Is, Seen and
Unseen, illuminate anew the souls and hearts of those entrusted to bring us
Your Word and Sacraments. Grant that we may join them in their fervor and walk together
in Love as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. We pray especially for:
add your own petitions
Triune God - LORD, Word, and Spirit
You are our Light in the darkness, may our lives reflect Your glory
The Celebrant adds: Holy and Almighty God,
we are created by You to be Your fertile soil in this world. Let us bring forth
the seeds of new life in Christ according to Your holy will. We ask through
Jesus, our Savior and the Holy Spirit, our Source of Wisdom, who together with
You are One God, now and through eternity. Amen.
Please feel free to request a prayer or meditation to be composed for a particular person, concern, or topic for posting in this space. You may leave your request in the comments section or contact me directly at Leeosophy@gmail.com All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. If you would like the weekly Prayers of the People prior to its appearance on the blog, please send me an email. Personal prayer requestors will remain anonymous.
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