Morning & Evening Prayer. for the seasons of ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Transcription

1 Morning & Evening Prayer for the seasons of ADVENT & CHRISTMAS December 03, 2017 January 5th, 2018

2 REDEMPTION CITY CHURCH IS A. Gospel formed community that loves God, one-another, and the towns where we live as we join with God in the renewal of all things. This takes form in our making of disciples and planting of churches that are intentionally formed by a devotion to God in Christ, Scripture, Prayer, One-Another, and Good-Works as God commands His Church. WHAT IS THE BOOKLET? The RCC Morning and Evening Prayer Book is a collection of prayers adapted from the Daily Office that will inspire your heart toward a deeper love for God and his Word. Most of us wake up in the morning and drink a cup of coffee, brush our teeth, and read the newspaper. Or maybe we start the day off with a simple prayer and Bible reading. Routines and rituals are not a bad thing. They keep us on track and remind us of what matters most. In a spiritual sense, I believe that we need to have rhythms and routines to grow in our daily walk with Christ. The Daily Office is one of the ways that Christians have prayed for centuries. The Daily Office or Divine Office, which is based on the ancient practice of prescribed daily times of prayer. The name comes from the Latin officium divinum meaning divine office or divine duty. These services are accompanied by daily Scripture readings which include a reading from the Psalms, Old Testament, the New Testament, and a Gospel reading. The Daily Office includes prayers for morning, noon, and evening. J.I. Packer says, None of us will! ever find a better pattern for private prayer and Bible-reading anywhere than that offered by the Prayer Book s own daily offices. WHAT ARE THE ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SEASONS? ADVENT Advent is the holy season that precedes Christmas. From the Latin adventus ( arrival ), it is a time of hope and expectancy, when Christians prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent encompasses the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, a date that changes every year. The length of the season varies between 22 and 28 days. In 2016, Advent begins on November 27. Advent is the first season of the church calendar and marks the beginning of the liturgical year, the annual cycle of seasons observed by Christians through the centuries. At its most basic, the church calendar consists of fasts and feasts seasons of preparation and celebration that correspond to the key events of Christ's life and ministry.

3 It's appropriate that Advent opens the church year. Just as Luke's Gospel begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would "prepare the way" for Christ, the church's yearly cycle begins with the preparatory rhythms of Advent. CHRISTMAS On December 25, Advent gives way to Christmas, and our hope gives way to joy. Our longing turns to love, our aching to peace. God has kept his promise: the Savior has come. It s time to celebrate! In the Western Christian tradition, the Christmas season runs from December 25 to January 5. Christmas is not a single day it s twelve days. For Christians, December 25 marks the beginning of this celebratory season, not the end of it. The twelve days of Christmas commemorate the most important event in human history: the incarnation of Christ, the entry of God into the world He made. We cannot grasp the significance of this event in a single day. Having prepared our hearts through Advent, we need time to rejoice and reflect. We journey through the twelve days of Christmas with gladness, thanking God for His mercy, for the gift of Christ, for shining His Light in the darkness and showing us the way to salvation THE CHALLENGE OF THIS BOOKLET: Dietrich Bonhoeffer (d. 1945) in his two works, The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. Discipleship (published in 1937) addressed the tension between what Bonhoeffer calls costly grace and cheap grace. Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without repentance; it is baptism without the discipline of community; it is the Lord s Supper without confession of sin; it is absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without the living, incarnate Jesus Christ. Costly grace calls the believer to true discipleship and into a life of following Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances or consequences. Costly grace, says Bonhoeffer, is characteristic of Jesus and his disciples and thereby should be characteristic of all Christianity. It is with this theme that Bonhoeffer commends his readers to take up Morning and Evening Prayer. This call is not an easy one, but it is one that is an imitation of our Savior and a worthy endeavor as we walk out our lives as followers of Christ. HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET: We challenge you to follow the Christian rhythm of beginning and ending each day with Bible reading and prayer. In doing so, you will be joining believers around the world and throughout history stretching all the way back to the prayer practices of ancient Israel.

4 Twice a day in the morning and in the evening take out this booklet, a Bible, and a pen or pencil. Pray through the prayers and read the Scriptures, crossing-off each reference after you ve read the passage. Write down prayer requests, thanksgivings, and questions about the Scriptures in the blank pages at the back of this booklet. Take your time! Even if you don t feel like praying or reading, trust that God will honor this sacrifice of your time. He will shape and bless you in ways you may not immediately notice. PRAYING TOGETHER VS. PRAYING ALONE If you can, pray and read with others. *Sections marked with an asterisk are to be said/ read by a leader. Otherwise, say the texts in unison.* But even if you cannot, try to not change the we to I. In all our prayer, it is helpful to remember that we do not pray alone. That we belong to the Church, the body of Christ. FAMILY GUIDE TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 1 For those new to celebrating Advent, this may seem like a lot to take in, and perhaps overwhelming. These traditions are meant to enhance the time of preparation, not to take away from the focus of Advent. If making a Jesse Tree and an Advent wreath is too much for busy schedules, then don t get stressed out trying to do both. If practicing many different traditions and activities distracts you from the theme of Advent preparing for the coming of Christ then it would be better to choose only one tradition and stick with it than trying to get everything done and get distracted from the true purpose of this season. Remember, the purpose of Advent is to meditate on the coming of Christ, and the wreaths and calendars are meant to point us back to this focus, not to distract us from it. GOSPEL STORY BOOK READING PLAN Share with your children the story of Christmas and God's great plan for Jesus' birth using the same book that your children will learn from in Kids City. Along with each Scripture reading is a corresponding story to read from The Gospel Story Book Bible by one of the most beloved children s picture book Bibles in which every story points to Christ. You and your children will read 23 stories from the Old Testament and then 2 stories from the New Testament about the birth story of Jesus. 1 Some of this material has been adapted from: Let Us Keep the Feast (Snell) and To Dance With God (Nelson)

5 Date Gospel Story Book Bible Reference Advent Wreath Candle Dec 1 Story 1, 2 Genesis Dec 2 Story 3, 4 Genesis 3 1 Dec 3 Story 5, 6 Genesis Dec 4 Story 7 Genesis 11 1 Dec 5 Story 8, 9 Genesis Dec 6 Story 10,11 Genesis Dec 7 Story 13, 14 Genesis 22 1 Dec 8 Story 16, 17, 18 Genesis Dec 9 Story 19, 20, 21 Genesis Dec 10 Story Genesis and 2 Dec 11 Story Exodus and 2 Dec 12 Story Exodus and 2 Dec 13 Story Exodus and 2 Dec 14 Story 44 Joshua 3, 4 1 and 2 Dec 15 Story 54, 55 1 Samuel and 2 Dec 16 Story 56 1 Samuel 16 1 and 2 Dec 17 Story 57 1 Samuel 17 1, 2, and 3 Dec 18 Story 59 2 Sam 7, Psalm 51, Psalm 23 1, 2, and 3 Dec 19 Story Kings 16-2 Kings 2 1, 2, and 3 Dec 20 Story 66 2 Kings 5 1, 2, and 3 Dec 21 Story 69 Jonah 1, 2, and 3 Dec 22 Story 75 Daniel 6 1, 2, and 3 Dec 23 Story Ezra, Nehemiah 1, 2, and 3 Dec 24 Story 79 Luke 1 1, 2, 3, and 4 Dec 25 Story 80 Matthew 1-2; Luke 2 1, 2, 3, 4, and center. ADVENT WREATHS Advent wreaths are typically wreaths of greenery woven into a circle, with four candles spaced periodically along the sides and a single white candle in the center of the wreath. At first glance, these wreaths may seem to be just another Christmas decoration. However, every detail of the wreath is pregnant with symbolism, telling the story of the season of Advent.

6 The shape of the wreath itself is a symbol: its never-ending circle reminds us of God and His eternal love for us, His wayward children. It reminds us that darkness will not endure but God will. The color green represents hope and new life. This is why the greenery that makes up the body of the wreath is traditionally pine, evergreen, or cedar: unlike other trees, these branches never wither and die in the winter. Their constant greenness symbolizes the promise of eternal life. Sometimes, the greenery is decorated with silver and gold tinsel, a sign of the joyful days of feasting to come. Other plants can be added to the wreath to emphasize Advent s themes. Ivy is one of these; it is a climbing vine and it symbolizes humanity holding onto the strength of God. Less frequently, holly and bay are added to the wreath. Holly, with its sharp thorns and crimson berries, reminds us of the crown of thorns that Christ wore on Calvary and the crimson blood that He shed there for us. Bay, also known as laurel, represents the victory over sin and death. In ancient times, winners of competitions wore wreaths of laurels to celebrate their victories. Traditionally, three of the four Advent candles are purple, while the other is rose. There are four of them because they represent the four weeks of waiting from the beginning of Advent to Christmas Day. Also, the four candles symbolize the four centuries that passed between the prophet Malachi s writings (the last book of the Old Testament) and the incarnation. The Advent wreath s candles have different meanings according to different traditions. Usually, the first candle symbolizes hope, or expectation, which is the strongest theme of Advent. Throughout the four weeks of this season, we are waiting in hope for the coming of Christ, expecting redemption. The third candle is traditionally named Joy, reminding us of the angels triumphant announcement to the shepherds. However, the names of the second and fourth candles are not set in stone. Some say that they stand for peace and love, while others say they stand for the shepherds and the magi. The last candle on the Advent wreath is the Christ candle, which sits in the center of the wreath, reminding us what we are waiting for through these dark winter days: the coming of Light of the World. It is usually a white or silvery color, and is only lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. In the home, the Advent wreath typically is lit every night after dinner, accompanied by Scripture readings. We have put together a reading plan that follows the Gospel Story Book Bible which is used as the core curriculum in Kids City. Advent Wreaths can be purchased online through Amazon. For more instructions on how to make an affordable Advent Wreath, visit: THE JESSE TREE Though the exact origin of the Jesse Tree is obscure, it s clear that the idea was prompted by Isaiah 11:1: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and

7 a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. It has been speculated that this passage, combined with ideas from plays of the genealogy of Jesus from the Middle Ages, eventually gave birth to what we know today as the Jesse Tree. There are multiple versions of the Jesse Tree today. It can be anything from a poster of a tree with pictures pasted on in lieu of ornaments, to an actual evergreen tree with ornaments signifying stories dangling from its branches. However it s constructed, the Jesse Tree is a creative method of telling the main stories of the Bible through its principal figures, starting with the creation of Adam and Eve and ending with the birth of Jesus. The litany of stories works its way through the genealogy of Christ and tells about the important part each person played in the lead-up to the incarnation. Traditionally, the first story that of Adam and Eve and the creation of the world is told on the first Sunday of Advent, and one story is added per day until it is Christmas Day and you have reached the story of birth of Christ. The traditional main characters of the Jesse Tree are, in order: Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph, Moses, Miriam, Deborah, Samuel, Ruth, Jesse, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah, Isaiah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, and finally, Jesus. For more instructions on how to make a Jesse Tree, visit ADVENT CALENDARS Although Advent calendars are a newer tradition, they are well-known and frequently used, and even secular versions of these calendars can be bought in stores. Advent calendars come in many different varieties, but all of them have the same purpose: counting down the days until Christmas. They usually start on December 1 and end on December 25. Typically, these calendars are simply made of decorated paper and cardboard, with flaps to lift each day as a countdown. Some of the more ornate ones have pop-ups underneath the flaps, and there are even some with small chocolates as a daily Advent treat. Consider using the reading guide above for the corresponding days on the calendar.

8 *OPENING FOR THE MORNING: MEDITATE ON In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 Why this element? These scriptures will help you prepare your heart, mind, and soul for your time with God *OPENING FOR THE EVENING: MEDITATE ON If I say, Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night, darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike. Psalm 139:10-11 CONFESS YOUR SINS Let us Pause now in silence to make our confession to God. After silence, pray together: O promised Christ: We are a world at war. Our peace depends on your coming. We are a sinful people. Our pardon depends on your coming. We are full of good intentions but weak at keeping promises; our only hope of doing God s will is that you should come and help us do it. Lord Christ, Word made flesh, our world waits for your peace, for your pardon, and for your grace. Even so: come, Lord Jesus. Amen. Why this element? In confession, we, the Church respond to God s gracious invitation to confess our false gods, lesser loves, and interior and exterior darkness, and to receive God s mercy afresh.

9 *ASSURANCE OF PARDON AND PEACE The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. People of God: Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose coming we announce in this season, is our righteousness. In Christ, we are made right with God. Thanks be to God! Why this element? The Christian practice of confession is not a groveling pit or worm theology, a kind of spiritual punishment, because there is never a moment of confession that isn t immediately met with the announcement of the good news of forgiveness and absolution in Christ. The good news of forgiveness in Christ pushes back on the hopelessness and despair of a consumer gospel that can offer only goods and services, not true peace. *THE INVITATION In the morning, choose one of the following Psalms to meditate on read together one the Benedictus: The Song of Zechariah taken from Luke 1: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Why this element? These passages invite us to enter into Prayer with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

10 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us[a] from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice! In the evening, meditate on or read together* as a group the Magnificant: The Song of Mary from Luke 1: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.

11 MORNING & EVENING SCRIPTURE READING The following passages are taken from the RCC Bible Reading Plan. All passages can be read during one time, or some can be divide between morning and evening readings. (more info on the RCC Reading Plan: readingplan) Why this element? We now slow down to hear God s Words to us through the scripture read. These scriptures are not a burdensome yoke we try to keep in order to earn our salvation. Rather, the teaching is now received as that gift whereby God graciously invites us into ways of life that are for our good, that lead to flourishing. Old Testament Reading PSALM New Testament Reading Dec 3 Reflection/ Make-up Dec 4 AM 5-6 PS 3 MK 1-3 Dec 5 AM 7-9 PS 4 MK 4-6 Dec 6 JER 1 PS 5:1-7 MK 4-6 Dec 7 JER 2:1-4:4 PS 5:8-12 MK 4-6 Dec 8 JER 4:5-5:13 PS 6 MK 7-9 Dec 9 JER 5: PS 7:1-10 MK 7-9 Dec 10 Reflection/ Make-up Dec 11 JER 7:1-29 PS 7:11-17 MK 7-9 Dec 12 JER 7:30-9:26 PS 8 MK Dec 13 JER 10 PS 9:1-6 MK Dec 14 JER PS 9:7-20 MK Dec 15 JER 13 PS 10:1-11 MK Dec 16 JER PS 10:12-18 MK Dec 17 Reflection/ Make-up Dec 18 JER 16:1-17:13 PS 11 MK Dec 19 JER 17:14-18:23 PS 12 MK Dec 20 JER PS 13 MK Dec 21 JER PS 14 MK Dec 22 JER 23 PS 15 I TH 1-3 Dec 23 JER 24:1-25:14 PS 16 I TH 1-3 Dec 24 Reflection/ Make-up Dec 25 JER 25:15-26:24 PS 17:1-9 I TH 1-3

12 Old Testament Reading PSALM New Testament Reading Dec 26 JER PS 17:10-15 I TH 4-5 Dec 27 JER 29 PS 18:1-6 I TH 4-5 Dec 28 JER 30 PS 18:7-19 I TH 4-5 Dec 29 JER 31 PS 18:20-30 II TH 1-3 Dec 30 JER 32 PS 18:31-45 II TH 1-3 Dec 31 JER 33 PS 18:46-50 II TH 1-3 Jan 1 JER PS 19:1-6 JN 1-3 Jan 2 JER 36 PS 19:7-14 JN 1-3 Jan 3 JER PS 20 JN 1-3 Jan 4 JER PS 21:1-7 JN 4-5 Jan 5 JER PS 21:8-13 JN 4-5 RECITE THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Why this element? At all times, we want to remember that the gospel is not just for us, it is for the world. By joining with millions of Christians around the world and 2000 years of Church History, our reciting of the Nicene Creed reminds us that we are worshiping a God whose greatness we have just begun to understand.

13 He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one universal and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen. PRAY THE LORDS PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Why this element? When the apostles said to Jesus, Lord teach how to pray He responded by teaching them the Lords Prayer. They asked Him this because they knew that he was a man of profound devotion and prayer. They walked with him and talked with him, but perhaps more importantly for our study they saw that he was a true man of prayer. The gospels tell us that Jesus prayed at every major event in His life: His baptism (Luke 3:21); the choice of apostles (6:12-12); his transfiguration (9:29); before the cross at Gethsemane (22:39-40); and on the cross (23:46). The Bible tells us that He continues in prayer for us. Hebrews 7:27 says, He always lives to make intercessions for them. He sets the example for us to follow. PRAY THE PRAYER OF THE WEEK * First Sunday of Advent From 12/03 12/09, Pray: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Why this element? Historically these prayers have been called Collect Prayers. Collect comes from the Latin, meaning to gather, or a gathering. Collects are said to ask for one thing only. Collects are literary forms, as well, structured as are sonnets and odes. In praying these, we are reminded that prayer is never just about us. As the body of Christ, we pray together whether physically present or absent.

14 * Second Sunday of Advent From 12/10 12/16, Pray: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * Third Sunday of Advent From 12/17 12/23, Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen. * Fourth Sunday of Advent On 12/24 (AM), Pray: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. * Christmas Eve On 12/24 (PM), Pray: O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the revelation of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. * Christmas Day On 12/25, Pray: Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. *From 12/26 12/30, Pray:

15 O Lord, we pray that your grace may always both precede and follow after us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. *From 12/31 01/06, Pray: O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen *In the MORNING, Pray for Peace & Grace: O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *IN THE EVENING, PRAY FOR PEACE & PROTECTION: O God, the source of all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Lighten our darkness, we beseech you, O Lord; and by your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. *PRAY FOR GOD S GLOBAL MISSION: O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men, women

16 and children everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OFFER PETITIONS, INTERCESSIONS, & THANKSGIVINGS: Petitions: Requests for yourself Intercessions: Requests for others Thanksgivings: Gratitude to God GIVE THANKS TO GOD: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen. *ASK GOD TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. CONCLUSION: SAY THE GRACE The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen

17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CAROL SING December 12th at 6:30 pm An evening of carols and cookies. 25 E. 2nd Street CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT GATHERINGS December 24th at 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm This gathering will take place down the street from our normal location for worship. 20 W. 2nd Street CHRISTMAS DAY GATHERING December 25th from 5:00 to 5:45 pm Finish your Christmas Day festivities with worship and communion. 25 E. 2nd Street For more information, visit 2ndStreetChristmas.com

18 Notes

19 Notes

20 Notes

21 The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and to teach suffering men. For one who wanted to make a display the thing would have been just to appear and dazzle the beholders. But for Him Who came to heal and to teach the way was not merely to dwell here, but to put Himself at the disposal of those who needed Him, and to be manifested according as they could bear it, not vitiating the value of the Divine appearing by exceeding their capacity to receive it. Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation Only the humble believe him and rejoice that God is so free and so marvelous that he does wonders where people despair, that he takes what is little and lowly and makes it marvelous. And that is the wonder of all wonders, that God loves the lowly. God is not ashamed of the lowliness of human beings. God marches right in. He chooses people as his instruments and performs his wonders where one would least expect them. God is near to lowliness; he loves the lost, the neglected, the unseemly, the excluded, the weak and broken. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In The Manger God could, had He pleased, have been incarnate in a man of iron nerves, the Stoic sort who lets no sigh escape him. Of His great humility He chose to be incarnate in a man of delicate sensibilities who wept at the grave of Lazarus and sweated blood in Gethsemane. Otherwise we should have missed the great lesson that it is by his will alone that a man is good or bad, and that feelings are not, in themselves, of any importance. We should also have missed the allimportant help of knowing that He has faced all that the weakest of us face, has shared not only the strength of our nature but every weakness of it except sin. If He had been incarnate in a man of immense natural courage, that would have been for many of us almost the same as His not being incarnate at all. C.S. Lewis, The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis The prayers in this booklet are adapted from the Book of Common Prayer 1979