A moment of contemplation for yourself or on behalf of others on everything from the life-altering to the mundane.


Prayer: A conversation with The Higher Other who lives within each of us. An invitation to vent, to re-think, to ask, and to rest.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Prayers of the People: Yesterday, Today, and Every Tomorrow ~ First Sunday after Christmas '23 Year B

For Sunday, December 31 2023, Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147, 
Galatians 3:23-25; 4-4-7; John 1:1-18

For the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up...For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest... [Isaiah 61:11a; 62:1a]

    He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds...The LORD lifts up the lowly, but casts the wicked to the ground. [Psalm 147:3, 6]

       But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law...So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. [Galatians 4:4, 7]

     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God...What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it...The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. [John 1:1-2, 3b-5, 17]

        The Gospel of John has marked differences from the other three Gospels which are known as the Synoptic Gospels because of their similarities to each other. John's emphasis might be thought of as more "theological" and contains material not in the other three and, in some cases, seemingly contradicting them and with some passages thought of as anti-Semitic. But the beauty, for me, of the mysterious opening, known as the Prologue, is something to linger with and ponder. Jesus, the Word, was with God, and the Word was God...The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 
        The Word comes from the Greek, logos, and is usually defined as Jesus, in theological terms. [Theos comes from the Greek for God, theology is the study of God] Once we understand Who the Word is, then the Prologue [John 1:1] may be more easily comprehended in verse 14: the Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the face of God, was with God from the beginning, and was sent to be among us to make God and God's will known to the world. 
        In the 4th century, St. Athanasius said of Jesus, He became what we are that he might make us what he is. Paul tells us in Galatians that Jesus is faith revealed by God. Those who followed Jesus in his time and who influenced others who came after, have all tried to instruct us in ways to be more like our Christ, our Messiah. This Child, just born, is God's promise, God's Word, with flesh, blood, and a beating heart, like us, and that I can grasp and almost understand. Yet the mystery of God endures, for if we do think we fully understand God, Jesus, and the Spirit ~ the Triune God, the Holy Trinity ~ then our god is too small. 
        As the Church year unfolds, we will enjoy the ageless story of the Epiphany and proceed soon after to be led through the woes of Lent and into the Passion of Holy Week, until the glorious Resurrection. In the meantime, let us savor this moment of Great Birth, and through all the days to come let us know in heart, soul, and mind that our Redeemer lives: with us, in us, and through us. If we relinquish ourselves to steadfast faith, however difficult in difficult times, and allow ourselves to be open and accepting, we will know Jesus as the Light in our hearts that darkness cannot overcome. We begin, again and still and always, from all yesterdays to today and in every tomorrow, to welcome Jesus, the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, the Word of all Words, as we, too, are re-born, refreshed, and filled with joy.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O 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, and proclaiming Christ’s grace and truth.                                                   

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, with the Spirit of the Son that You have sent into our hearts, let us not keep silent. Grant us courage to speak without ceasing to lawful governments and to those who are or would be vengeful despots until righteousness, peace, and mercy prevail across our Earth, across our Country, and across our Communities, great and small. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, refresh the bodies, hearts, and souls and give hope to all who suffer serious illness, despair, or fear, and to all who give love and support. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, help us to exchange the darkness of grief for the celebration of all who have gone ahead to live again, now fully complete in the radiant joy of Your eternal life. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

~ O God of All That Is, Seen and Unseen, we give You gracious thanksgiving for those entrusted to bring us Your Word and Sacraments. Fill us all with the unwavering faith to walk together as constant witnesses of Christ Jesus, our Saving Lord. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                       Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
                                                       May our lives reflect Your Light and Glory

The Celebrant adds: Holy Triune God: Lord, Word, and Spirit, we are created by You to be Your fertile soil in this world. Let us each by, word and example, sow seeds of forgiveness, hope, and salvation, in grace upon grace, now and in the Life to come. We ask through Jesus, Your Word Made Flesh; the Holy Spirit, Your Sacred Breath; and our Omnipotent Creator, who together, reign as One God, now and forever.  Amen. 
 

All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact:
Leeosophy@gmail.com


Monday, December 18, 2023

Prayers of the People: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day '23 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24 and Monday December 25, 2023, Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)

   The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined. [Isaiah 9:2]

   Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. Sing to the Lord and bless his name; proclaim the good new of his salvation from day to day. [Psalm 96:1-2]

    The grace of God appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions... [Titus 2:11-12a]

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"  [Luke 2:13-14]

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

[from The Nicene Creed, US Book of Common Prayer, p. 358] 

       The time is now, because of and in spite of these days of darkness, worry, fear, and anguish, to remember how to feel the Excitement, the Joy, the Wonder, the Thrill of Christmas AGAIN! Jesus Christ is born today! It’s time ~ re-awaken the Spirit within, remember the Reason it begins, open to a new spiritual start, a fresh opportunity. It's time ~ NOW, to push into the unknown, painfully, frighteningly, but with great anticipation to experience our own birth, again, into a New Creation in Christ.
       We each carry the fertile seed, the Divine Spark within us ~ Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Atheist, Agnostic, Oblivious, Naughty, or Nice. We each choose how the Spark drives us ~ we tend, nurture, anticipate or ignore, abuse, or perhaps deny that innermost part of ourselves. But now, what was is gone. As with infants, we move into new light, new sound, uncertainty, anxiety, and every day is a new beginning. Even if we have tried before, distraction, disinterest, life circumstances may have stopped our momentum. Yet we, too, are called as part of the Good Tidings of Great Joy that is Christ the Lord!
       We are the Reason he was born to us. Let the Joy and Peace of now begin with me and let me, with you, carry Christ forward into this Day, into our everyday lives every day, into all the Earth we inhabit.  The Great Light in the Darkness has come!
                                                               It's time! Hallelujah!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader:  ~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, You come at last, filled with grace and truth. Let our joy be unbounded for the arrival of our Glorious Child, One in Being with God and the Holy Spirit, who redeems and claims us for the work of Heaven on Earth.

                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!                                   
RESPONSE:         Grant Peace on Earth to Us All               

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, grant us energy and courage to give continuous voice to Your truth in all places of political, elected, and authoritarian power throughout this World, this Nation, and this Community. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All  

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, we ask You who were homeless as you entered this world, to enfold all who are homeless, hungry, sick, and downhearted, that they may feel Your loving embrace on this Day of Days and always. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All      

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, lift up our hearts in the joy and the hope of the Love that never ends, as we remember and celebrate all who have left the woes of this earthly plain to live forever, deep in the heart of God. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All      

~ O Holy Jesus, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All            

~ O Holy Jesus, God’s True Light, continue to excite the hearts of all who lead us in Your Church, with imagination and inspiration. Guide all our hearts to rebirth in a Spirit-filled life in Your service. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                   Glory to God in the Highest Heaven!
                                                   Grant Peace on Earth to Us All       

The Celebrant adds: Most High Lord Jesus, the Word, the Imprint, the Incarnate Grace of God sent to live among us, we sing to You a new song of rejoicing. Let each breath we take draw You into ourselves, that we may give out Your glory and praise in all that we are, and all that we do. Guide us, guard us, goad us to live into Your divine will. We ask through You, Prince of Peace; and through the Holy Spirit, our Compass; who together with our Mighty Creator from the beginning, live and reign as one God, now and forever. Amen. 







All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact: Leeosophy@gmail.com




Prayers of the People: Will You Notice? ~ 4th Sunday of Advent RCL Part 2 '23 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24, 2023, Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle 15/Song of Mary - Luke 1:46-55, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38

Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you. [2 Samuel 7:3]

          My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior; for he has looked with favor upon his lowly servant. [Canticle 15, Song of Mary/Luke 1:46-48]

    ...the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! [Romans 16:25b-26]

      The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And...you will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus...For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." [Luke 1:26-38]


    It’s especially difficult this year to think about the 4th Sunday of Advent as it falls on the day of Christmas Eve. Many will ignore this last Advent Sunday morning Church service completely as the afternoon, evening, and/or late services will be better attended. But if you take a breath and stop for a moment this week, here are some thoughts about what our coming Christ-Mass is all about.  The wait, for many or most, is over and the final preparations are nearly complete. The excitement and sparkle of the lights and music and the results of holiday planning are at hand. Some may feel anxious about questions such as: do we have that thing, or the other thing, and the third thing? Is the wrapping done, do we have all the food? Yet there are a few questions that may have slipped our thoughts along the way such as who will be alone on Christmas, some perhaps for the first time in their long lives? And what about those who are suffering physically, emotionally, economically, and for other life-issues? Hopefully, some provision of money, food, other donation, or invitations have already been remembered and given but, there’s ALWAYS need and especially AFTER Christmas and New Year’s and other celebrations when the need is even greater and donations have diminished significantly.    
      First, acknowledging that it is Christmas Eve, here are a couple of extra questions to think about: how did we actually get to this celebration? Who decided THE date? While we know about the shepherds and choirs of angels, we have never heard how the people at the allegedly-filled Inn responded to all the ruckus in, around, and above that stable or cave or other theories about where it all happened. You’d think the whole town would have been intrigued about all the fuss. We’re told about those “wise men” following the star, left gifts and left town, and we’ve never been told about when they returned to their homeland. Did they tell anyone?
      Second, the other part of our reason for the season is that in the 4th century, the newly Christianized Emperor Constantine, appropriated the Winter Solstice festivals of the sun and other deities from pagan religious traditions ~ the Celts and Egyptians among others ~ for the wholly and holy Christian commemoration of Christ's birth. Perhaps he assumed that if they're going to party anyway, he would mandate a different reason. After all, none of the birth narratives in the Bible tell us a date or even a season when Jesus was born. December 25th became the official date for the celebration everywhere in the Church under Pope Julius I, not long after Constantine's decree. The December “Winter Solstice” only applies in the northern hemisphere as in the southern hemisphere it is the “Summer Solstice” and the date is generally December 22. But after well over 2 millennia, the whole world is accustomed to Christmas on December 25th and for half our world it is the beginning of summer.
     Yet NOW, on this Sunday morning, it is STILL ADVENT. Today we light the candle of Love on the Advent Wreath as we light again the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy. This last Sunday of Advent is also a moment in Anglican-Episcopal theology to celebrate the crucial role of Mary in our Salvation ~ not merely as the Theotokos [theo-tow-kohs], God-Bearer, but more so because she "...found favor with God." [Luke 1:30a of The Song of Mary/Magnificat] She was chosen because this favor acknowledged her devotion, because she heard God's word and believed, because she was faith-filled and faithful. God’s call to her was to bear and deliver to us the fulfillment of God's ultimate Promise, Jesus, whom Paul says, is the revelation of the mystery...now disclosed
     The Love of God became human flesh through human pre-natal development and physical birth from a mother who would willingly accept her vocation and have some understanding of its meaning. The Angel Gabriel brought Mary the message of God’s call, as she, very young and certainly fearful of such an apparition and request, was still able to courageously ask How can this be? Mary would have known the story of her Hebrew people and likely some of the prophecies of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. She would likely have had a quick rush of emotion recognizing the importance and the trials of a mother of a great leader of faith for God’s people. She could have humbly refused. God offers a call yet never forces us to obey. Mary, most humbly, accepted.
     Third, we can discover what Christmas and Christ really mean to our everyday lives when we spend some time with ourselves. Dig deep and listen, examine the promises we have made in moments of true devotion and in times of crisis, the promises kept and the ones we meant to keep in the moment they were made. How do we allow Mary's example of Let it be with me according to your word to manifest in our lives? It is time to begin again to find the Christ within us and let his light shine through us; to believe again, or for the first time, the angel's words: For nothing will be impossible with God. 
     Within just this one day, we journey from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus our Christ, the Son who forever outshines the sun. Will you notice? Do not be afraid to stop, listen, think, and pray in hope, peace, joy, love, and faith for this lifetime journey!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

 Leader:  ~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, purify our souls and grant us the humility to live according to Your Word and Will. Awaken our hearts to be eager in child-like anticipation for the coming celebration of this Holy Infant, our Hope and our Redeemer. 

                                                 Gracious and Eternal God                                        
          RESPONSE:             Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust        

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, keep us vigilant, consistent, and insistent as we advocate constantly for the causes of compassion, peace, and cooperation among all who govern in our World, in our Nation, and in our Villages, Towns, and Cities. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, comfort and heal those who suffer with devastating illness, serious depression, or any life-limiting circumstance, and give respite to all who give love and support.  We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust      

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, release us all from fresh and remembered grief as our loved ones arise to boundless joy in everlasting life with You. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust           

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, grant continuing renewal and energy to all who have answered Your call in the model of Mary, and have inspired us by their example in faithfulness, worship, and pastoral care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

The Celebrant adds: O God of Love and Glory, detach us from earth-bound noise to listen deeply and experience the true Birth of Christ within and through us. Infuse us with the obedience of faith that will guide us and sustain us as we follow the path of our Messiah. We ask through the imminence of the Incarnate Christ, and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who together with You are One God, our Strength and our Salvation, forever and ever. Amen.






All compositions remain the property of the owner of this blog but may be used with attribution and edited for local use as long as they are not sold or charged for in any way. For more information or comments, contact:
Leeosophy@gmail.com


Prayers of the People: This One Day Journey is for a Lifetime ~ 4th Sunday of Advent Part 1, WCLWC* '23 Yr B

For Sunday, December 24, 2023, Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10, Psalm 118:14-26, 1 Peter 1:10-12, Luke 1:26-38

  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, proclaiming peace, proclaiming salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns, Daughter.” [Isaiah 52:7]

   This is the day that the Creator of All has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. [Psalm 118:24]

   It was revealed to the women and men who prophesied that they were not serving themselves but you all, in regard to the things that have been announced to you through those who brought you good news – gospel – by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; these are the thigs into which angels long to look! [1 Peter 1:12]

   The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And...you will bear a son, and you will name him Jesus...For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." [Luke 1:26-38]

Welcome to Advent, for a description of the unusual readings we are using for Advent, click here to read the introduction: https://prayersofthepeople.blogspot.com/2023/11/prayers-of-people-new-advent-ure-begins.html

       It’s especially difficult this year to think about the 4th Sunday of Advent as it falls on the day of Christmas Eve. Many will ignore this last Advent Sunday morning Church service completely as the afternoon, evening, and/or late services will be better attended. But if you take a breath and stop for a moment this week, here are some thoughts about what our coming Christ-Mass is all about.  The wait, for many or most, is over and the final preparations are nearly complete. The excitement and sparkle of the lights and music and the results of holiday planning are at hand. Some may feel anxious about questions such as: do we have that thing, or the other thing, and the third thing? Is the wrapping done, do we have all the food? Yet there are a few questions that may have slipped our thoughts along the way such as who will be alone on Christmas, some perhaps for the first time in their long lives? And what about those who are suffering physically, emotionally, economically, and for other life-issues? Hopefully, some provision of money, food, other donation, or invitations have already been remembered and given but, there’s ALWAYS need and especially AFTER Christmas and New Year’s and other celebrations when the need is even greater and donations have diminished significantly.    
      First, acknowledging that it is Christmas Eve, here are a couple of extra questions to think about: how did we actually get to this celebration? Who decided THE date? While we know about the shepherds and choirs of angels, we have never heard how the people at the allegedly-filled Inn responded to all the ruckus in, around, and above that stable or cave or other theories about where it all happened. You’d think the whole town would have been intrigued about all the fuss. We’re told about those “wise men” following the star, left gifts and left town, and we’ve never been told about when they returned to their homeland. Did they tell anyone?
      Second, the other part of our reason for the season is that in the 4th century, the newly Christianized Emperor Constantine, appropriated the Winter Solstice festivals of the sun and other deities from pagan religious traditions ~ the Celts and Egyptians among others ~ for the wholly and holy Christian commemoration of Christ's birth. Perhaps he assumed that if they're going to party anyway, he would mandate a different reason. After all, none of the birth narratives in the Bible tell us a date or even a season when Jesus was born. December 25th became the official date for the celebration everywhere in the Church under Pope Julius I, not long after Constantine's decree. The December “Winter Solstice” only applies in the northern hemisphere as in the southern hemisphere it is the “Summer Solstice” and the date is generally December 22. But after well over 2 millennia, the whole world is accustomed to Christmas on December 25th and for half our world it is the beginning of summer.
     Yet NOW, on this Sunday morning, it is STILL ADVENT. We are gifted yet again, with the Rev. Dr. Gafney’s translations with today’s readings, highlighting that women as well as men prophesied and held important roles in the lives of Jewish culture at the time of the birth of Jesus. I have always loved the Isaiah passage beginning with How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet … and now especially with the addition of the word daughter. And what better time than this Final Sunday of Advent to embrace and celebrate the crucial role of Mary in our salvation. Today we light the candle of Love on the Advent Wreath as we light again the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy. This last Sunday of Advent is also a moment in Anglican-Episcopal theology to remember Mary ~ not merely as the Theotokos [theo-tow-kohs], God-Bearer, but more so because she "...found favor with God." [Luke 1:30a of The Song of Mary/Magnificat] She was chosen because this favor acknowledged her devotion, because she heard God's word and believed, because she was faith-filled and faithful. God’s call to her was to bear and deliver to us the fulfillment of God's ultimate Promise, Jesus. 
     The Love of God became human flesh through human pre-natal development and physical birth from a mother who would willingly accept her vocation and have some understanding of its meaning. The Angel Gabriel brought Mary the message of God’s call, as she, very young and certainly fearful of such an apparition and request, was still able to courageously ask How can this be? Mary would have known the story of her Hebrew people and likely some of the prophecies of Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah. She would likely have had a quick rush of emotion recognizing the importance and the trials of a mother of a great leader of faith for God’s people. She could have humbly refused. God offers a call yet never forces us to obey. Mary, most humbly, accepted.
     Third, we can discover what Christmas and Christ really mean to our everyday lives when we spend some time with ourselves. Dig deep and listen, examine the promises we have made in moments of true devotion and in times of crisis, the promises kept and the ones we meant to keep in the moment they were made. How do we allow Mary's example of Let it be with me according to your word to manifest in our lives? It is time to begin again to find the Christ within us and let his light shine through us; to believe again, or for the first time, the angel's words: For nothing will be impossible with God. 
     Within just this one day, we journey from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus our Christ, the Son who forever outshines the sun. Do not be afraid to stop, listen, think, and pray in hope, peace, joy, love, and faith.

*Readings for Advent this year are from The Rev. Dr. Wilda [Wil] Gafney, Womanist biblical scholar, and is the Right Rev. Sam B. Hulsey Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the author of A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church and translator of its biblical selections. Learn more about her and her work at her website: https://www.wilgafney.com/

 For Advent IV, December 24, 2023: Isaiah 52:7-10: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, proclaiming peace, bringing good news, proclaiming salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns, daughter.” 8. Daughter, the sound of your sentinels, lifting their voice! As one they sing for joy: for from one eye to another they see the return of the Holy One of Sinai to Zion. 9. Revel! Raise a song together, you ruins of Jerusalem. For the Holy One of Old has comforted God’s people, God has redeemed Jerusalem. 10. The Mighty God has bared a holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Psalm 118:14-26: The Mighty God is my strength and my might and has become my salvation. 15. The sound of song and of salvation is in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Most High is mighty; 16. the right hand of the Mighty God is exalted; the right hand of the Most High is mighty.” 17. I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Ancient of Days. 18. The Merciful God has punished me severely, but to death did not hand me over. 19. Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Fount of Justice. 20. This is the gate of the Living God; the righteous shall enter through it. 21. I thank you for you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23. This is the Mighty God’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24. This is the day that the Creator of All has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25. Save us, we pray, Saving One! Generous One, we pray, grant us prosperity! 26. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of God Who is Holy. We bless you from the house of the Ever-Living God.

1 Peter 1:10: Concerning this salvation, the women and men who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made searched diligently and inquired earnestly, 11. discerning with regard to the time that the Spirit of the Messiah within them made known when testifying before time of the sufferings and following glory of the Messiah. 12. It was revealed to the women and men who prophesied that there were serving not themselves but you all, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news – gospel – by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; these are things into which angels long to look!

Luke 1:26-38: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee, Nazareth, 27. to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the name of the virgin was Mary. 28. And the angel came to Mary and said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Most High God is with you.” 29. Now, she was troubled by the angel’s words and pondered what sort of greeting this was. 30. Then the angel said to her, “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31. And now, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Sovereign God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his sovereignty there will be no end. 34. Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have not known a man intimately?” 35. The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit, she will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the one born will be holy. He will be called Son of God. 36. And now, Elizabeth your kinswoman has even conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for she who was called barren. 37. For nothing will be impossible with God. 38. Then Mary said, “Here am I, the woman-slave of God; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

 Leader:  ~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, purify our souls and grant us the humility to live according to Your Word and Will. Awaken our hearts to be eager in child-like anticipation for the coming celebration of this Holy Infant, our Hope and our Redeemer. 

                                                 Gracious and Eternal God                                        
RESPONSE:           Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust        

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, keep us vigilant, consistent, and insistent as we advocate constantly for the causes of compassion, peace, and cooperation among all who govern in our World, in our Nation, and in our Villages, Towns, and Cities. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, comfort and heal those who suffer with devastating illness, serious depression, or any life-limiting circumstance, and give respite to all who give love and support.  We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust      

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, release us all from fresh and remembered grief as our loved ones arise to boundless joy in everlasting life with You. We pray especially for… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials… add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust           

~ God Almighty, Great and Merciful, grant continuing renewal and energy to all who have answered Your call in the model of Mary, and have inspired us by their example in faithfulness, worship, and pastoral care. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

                                                Gracious and Eternal God
                                                Fill us with Mary’s Wonder, Hope, and Trust

The Celebrant adds: O God of Love and Glory, detach us from earth-bound noise to listen deeply and experience the true Birth of Christ within and through us. Infuse us with the obedience of faith that will guide us and sustain us as we follow the path of our Messiah. We ask through the imminence of the Incarnate Christ, and the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who together with You are One God, our Strength and our Salvation, forever and ever. Amen.





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