The Feast of Saint Stephen: 26 December – Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22 ~ everyone who endures to the end will be saved

St Stephen, the First Martyr

Opening Sentence:

Behold, I see the heavens thrown open, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56)

Hymn: Good King Wenceslas

Morning Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-60 NLT

Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.
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The Martyrdom of St Stephen Peter Paul Rubens, 1616-17 Musée des beaux-arts de Valenciennes

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Morning Reading: Matthew 10:17-22 NLT

“But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”

Morning Prayer

Thank You, Lord God, for Saint Stephen, whose life on earth was lived in the service of Christ, and who in death witnessed to Christ with his blood.

+ For all who have found the freedom to lay down their lives for Your sake – We give You thanks, O Lord.
+ For all whose desire for you has brought them through death with a joyful heart – We give You thanks, O Lord.
+ For all who have followed, through suffering, the way of the cross – We give You thanks, O Lord.
+ For all who have undergone martyrdom for the gospel – We give you thanks, O Lord.

Give us grace, Lord, to practice what we worship. Teach us to love our enemies as we keep the feast of Saint Stephen, who prayed even for the men who stoned him to death. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

New Song: “Noel” – Lauren Daigle

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Canticle

Praise the Lord ! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. (Psalms 149:1-4 NLT)

Blessing

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Judea 24-25)

Christmas Day: 25 December – Isaiah 9:2-7; John 1:1-5,9-14 ~ the Light is on in the Manger

Christmas Day

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening sentence

Today Christ is born, today the Savior has appeared; today the angels sing on earth, the archangels rejoice; today upright men shout out for joy: Glory be to God on high, alleluia.
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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – King’s College Choir

Morning Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 NLT

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen.

“The Light of the World” – Lauren Daigle

Morning Reading: John 1:1-5,9-14 NLT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
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Prayer:

God our Father, this morning we eagerly greet the birth of Jesus, our brother and Saviour. He is the Daystar from on high, the light-bearer who brings the dawn to us, who wait patiently for His coming. – Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.

+ Father, bless on this holy day the Church all over the world. May she light afresh in men’s hearts the lamps of hope and peace.
+ Your Son has come to us in the fullness of time: let all who wait for Him recognize His coming.
+ His birth bound heaven to earth in harmony and peace. Establish that same peace among nations and men of today.
+ With Mary and Joseph we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Christ into our lives as they did.

Almighty God, Your incarnate Word fills us with the new light He brought to men. Let the light of faith in our hearts shine through all that we do and say. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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“Joy to the World” – The Bach Choir

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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (John 1:12-13 NLT)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Christmas Eve: 24 December – Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4-7; Philippians 2:5-11 ~ perfect timing

The Season of Advent

Advent Daily Readings and Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening sentence

When the right time came, God sent his Son….
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“Almost there” – Michael W Smith / Amy Grant

Evening Reading: Luke 2:1-7 NLT

Pregnant-BVM

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

“Silent Night” – Celtic Woman

Evening Reading: Galatians 4:4-7 NLT

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

Evening Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 NLT

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“O Holy Night” – Josh Groban

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: You emptied Yourself to assume the condition of a slave. You were tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. You, alone, were born to save us.

+ Coming into our world, Lord Jesus, You open the new age which the prophets foretold. In every age, may the Church come again to new birth.
+ You took on our human weakness. Be the eyes of the blind, the strength of the weak, the friend of the lonely.
+ Lord, You were born among the poor: show them Your love.
+ Your birth brings eternal life within man’s reach; comfort the dying with hope of new life in heaven.
+ Gather the departed to Yourself; and make them radiant in Your glory.

Fill us with confidence, Lord God, when Your Only-Begotten Son comes as our judge. We welcome Him with joy as our redeemer: year by year renew that joy, as we await the fulfillment of our redemption by Jesus Christ our Lord, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Canticle

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my salvation. For he has shown me such favor – me, his lowly handmaiden. Now all generations will call me blessed, because the mighty one has done great things for me.

His name is holy, his mercy lasts for generation after generation for those who revere him. He has put forth his strength: he has scattered the proud and conceited, torn princes from their thrones; but lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, he has remembered his mercy as he promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

“Ave Maria”

Blessing

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Advent Daily Prayer: 24 December – Psalm 143:1, 7-12; Isaiah 11:1-3 ~ Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

The Season of Advent

Advent Daily Readings and Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening sentence

Tomorrow your salvation will be with you, says the Lord, God almighty.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 143:1, 7-12 NLT

Hear my prayer, O Lord ; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous….

Come quickly, Lord , and answer me…. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord ; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord , preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

Morning Reading: Isaiah 11:1-3 NLT

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord . He will delight in obeying the Lord . He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.
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Prayer:

Christ Jesus: the scriptures foretold Your coming – we await You now.

+ Isaiah foretold that the spirit of the Lord would rest upon You: come to us bringing wisdom and understanding. – Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

+ The spirit of counsel and power is given to You; move the hearts of all who govern or rule. – Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

+ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; teach us to know the Father as He is. – Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

+ As now we live with You in faith and hope, prepare us to see the Father face to face. – Come, Jesus, our Saviour!

In this time of Your coming, support and console us who trust in Your love. You live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“God is with us” – Casting Crowns

The skies don’t seem to be as dark as usual | The stars seem brighter then they’ve been before | Deep within I feel my soul a stirring | As though my hope has been restored | The shepherds say they’ve heard the voice of angels | Confirming rumors spread across the land | That a child protected well from Herod’s anger | Is our Father’s Son, and the son of man

Love is raining down on the world tonight | There’s a presence here I can tell | God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel | He’s the Savior we have been praying for | In our humble hearts He will dwell | God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel

I feel compelled to tell all who will listen | That peace on earth is not so out of reach | If we can find grace, mercy and forgiveness | He has come to save, He is all of these

You’re the Savior we have been praying for | In our humble hearts You will dwell | You are in us, You are for us, You are with us, Emmanuel
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Canticle

Blessing

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Advent Daily Prayer: 23 December – Exodus 24:3-8; Luke 22:19-20 ~ taste and see the beauty

The Season of Advent

Advent Daily Readings and Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening sentence

“Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19 NLT)
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Morning Reading: Exodus 24:3-8 NLT

Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”

Then Moses carefully wrote down all the Lord ’s instructions. Early the next morning Moses got up and built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Then Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it over the people, declaring, “Look, this blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions.”

Morning Reading: Luke 22:19-20 NLT

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people — an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
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Prayer:

Faithful God: Thank You for the New Covenant, signed and sealed with the Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. And, thank You for this season when all are, once again, welcomed to Your Table.

+ As we celebrate Christmas – may we rejoice in the wonder of the Son of God born to save us.
+ As we contemplate the Cross – may we reflect on the cost to the Son of Man who died to save us.

Loving and Gracious God: As people around the world gather at Your Table – may we drink the Cup of Joy and eat the Bread of Life… and enter into the beauty of Christmas. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, and will come again in glory, one God forever. Amen.
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“Christmas Communion Song”

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Canticle

Blessing

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. (Revelation 22:20-21 NLT)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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