Category: Life in Christ

Christmas Eve: 24 Dec – “For unto us is born a Savior – Christ the Lord!”

Christmas Eve

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

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father: Prepare our hearts to enter into the joy and wonder of Christmas. Shine your Light into our darkness; and remind us of those Christ Jesus came to seek and save – the poor and helpless… the cold and hungry… the sick and those who mourn… the lonely and unloved… the persecuted and oppressed… and all lost souls everywhere. Make us a Light to the nations, that we may bring the Good News of peace and goodwill through Christ Jesus our Lord into every corner of the whole world. All to your honor and glory. Amen.
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“Once in Royal David’s City” – King’s College Cambridge 2010


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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!

“O Come O Come Emmanuel” – Enya

Micah 5:2-4 (NLT)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth. Then at last his fellow countrymen will return from exile to their own land. And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.

“When Love Came Down to Earth” – Kristyn Getty, Margaret Becker, Joanne Hogg

Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

“Joseph’s Song” – Gabe Hughes

Luke 2:8–16 (NLT)

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – Sissel Kyrkjebø

John 1:1-5, 10-14 (NLT)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it….

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But 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.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
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“Joy to the World” – Northern Ireland Flashmob


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Blessing

Through the incarnation of His Son God has scattered the darkness of the world, and by Christ’s glorious birth, which angels announced to the shepherds, has brightened this most holy night. May the God of infinite goodness banish the darkness of sin from our hearts and make them radiant with the light of His goodness.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

1 Day until Christmas: Mon, 24 Dec – Galatians 4:4-5 ~ when the right time came

1 Day until Christmas

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

Opening –

Today you know that the Lord will come. In the morning you will see his glory.
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Morning Reading: Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) –

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.
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Morning Prayer

Coming into our world, Lord Jesus, you opened the new age which the prophets foretold. You took on our human weakness and lived among us in humility. Save us now through your life, death, and resurrection, that we might live with joyful confidence, as we await the fulfillment of our redemption when you return in glory. Amen.
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“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” – from Out of Darkness (Adam & Lori Ubowski)

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Closing –

The Word of God, born of the Father before time began, humbled himself today for us and became man.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – 23 Dec – Luke 1:39-56 ~ Blessed because you believed.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your Word, and move us by your Spirit to bless your wonderful works. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Canticle of Magnificat” (Lk 1:46-55) – Song of Mary sung in Latin by the Daughters of Mary

[46] And Mary said: My soul * doth magnify the Lord: [47] and my spirit hath rejoiced * in God, my Savior.

[48] Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: * for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed, [49] because He that is Mighty hath done great things to me; * and Holy is His Name. [50] And His Mercy is from generation unto generations, * to them that fear Him. [51] He hath shewed might in His arm: * He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. [52] He hath put down the mighty from their seat, * and hath exalted the humble. [53] He hath filled the hungry with good things: * and the rich He hath sent empty away. [54] He hath received Israel, His servant, * being mindful of His Mercy: [55] as He spoke to our fathers, * to Abraham and to his seed 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 will be forever. Amen.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56 (NLT)

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

_ For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
_ For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.
_ He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
_ His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
_ He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
_ He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.
_ He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
_ He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.
_ For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

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Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Pour out your Spirit on us and fill us with an abundance of faith that we might receive your blessing as well. We pray especially –

+ for all believers around the world, that their faith may be strengthened at the celebration of Christmas…
+  for all who faithfully labor in obscurity, that they may receive your blessing at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are burdened by sin and shame, that they may receive mercy and pardon at the celebration of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for a miracle, that they may be encouraged by the wonder and mystery of Christmas…
+ for all who are waiting for justice, that they may be confident in the truth and righteousness of Christmas…
+ for all who are poor and needy, that they may receive the essentials of life through the generosity of Christmas…

Mighty God: We rejoice with the blessed virgin Mary at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Fill us with wonder and joy at his Birth, and prepare us to welcome his Return with confidence and faith, through the power of our Word and Spirit at work within us – all to your glory. Amen.
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“Magnificat” – by Kim André Arnesen (Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway)

(Lk 1:46-55) [46] Et ait María: Magníficat * ánima mea Dóminum: [47] et exsultávit spíritus meus * in Deo, Salutári meo.

[48] Quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ Suæ: * ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes, [49] quia fecit mihi magna qui Potens est: * et Sanctum Nomen Eius. [50] Et Misericórdia Eius a progénie in progénies * timéntibus Eum. [51] Fecit poténtiam in bráchio Suo: * dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui. [52] Depósuit poténtes de sede, * et exaltávit húmiles. [53] Esuriéntes implévit bonis: * et dívites dimísit inánes. [54] Suscépit Ísraël, púerum Suum, * recordátus Misericórdiæ Suæ: [55] sicut locútus est ad patres nostros, * Ábraham et sémini eius in sǽcula.
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Blessing –

May God the almighty and merciful bless you by the light of Christ’s coming, and enrich your lives with every grace. May God make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love all the days of your life. And may God reward you with eternal life when our Redeemer comes again in glory.

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

3 Days until Christmas: Sat, 22 Dec – Isaiah 45:8 ~ Rain down!

3 Days until Christmas

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

Opening –

“Let it be known that God has also sent his salvation to all nations,
and they will listen!” (Acts 28:28)

O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon the earth and all nations learn of your saving help.
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Morning Reading: Isaiah 45:8 (NLT) –

“Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them.”
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Morning Prayer

In a world divided by fear and hatred, Lord Jesus, come to us in love.  Help us to set our hearts on you, as we proclaim your saving power. May our world be flooded with the grace of your coming, and may we experience the fullness of your joy. All to your glory. Amen.
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“There Is A Cloud” – Elevation Worship

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Blessing –

God our Father, may all nations and peoples praise you. May Jesus, who is called faithful and true and who lives with you eternally, possess our hearts for ever. Amen.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Praying the Psalms: Fri, 21 Dec – Psalm 150 ~ Hallelujah!

Praying the Psalms

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

Opening – (Northumbria Community)

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
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Morning Reading: Psalm 150 (NLT) –

Praise the Lord!

_Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
_Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
_Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp!
_Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
_Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!
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Morning Prayer

O Lord our God: to you we offer our highest praise –

+ for you have made us in your image…
+ for you protected us in times of trouble…
+ for you redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ…

O Lord our God: to you we offer our highest praise –

+ fill us with faith and cleanse our hearts that we may sing your praise…
+ give us psalms and hymns and spiritual songs that we may sing your praise…
+ keep our minds fixed on you, on what is right, and pure, and lovely, that we may sing your praise…

O Lord our God: to you we offer our highest praise – as we joyfully approach the celebration of the Birth of your Son, and wait expectantly for his glorious Return. Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Psalm 150” (Hallelujah!) – Israeli Band – MIQEDEM (Tel Aviv)

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Blessing – (Northumbrian Community)

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.