Category: Life in Our Family

1st Tuesday after Christmas Day: 28 Dec 2021: Psalm 148; Isaiah 54:1-13; Revelation 21:1-7 ~ God’s home is now among his people!

1st Tuesday after Christmas Day: 28 Dec 2021:

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

Opening:

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 for ever. Amen.

All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my children.
(Revelation 21:7)

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Psalms: Psalm 148 – Sons of Korah

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OT Reading: Isaiah 54:1-13 (NLT)

Future Glory for Jerusalem

54:1 “Sing, O childless woman,
you who have never given birth!
Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem,
you who have never been in labor.
For the desolate woman now has more children
than the woman who lives with her husband,”
says the Lord.
2 “Enlarge your house; build an addition.
Spread out your home, and spare no expense!
3 For you will soon be bursting at the seams.
Your descendants will occupy other nations
and resettle the ruined cities.

4 “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.
Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.
You will no longer remember the shame of your youth
and the sorrows of widowhood.
5 For your Creator will be your husband;
the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!
He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,
the God of all the earth.
6 For the Lord has called you back from your grief—
as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,”
says your God.
7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with great compassion I will take you back.
8 In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while.
But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord, your Redeemer.

9 “Just as I swore in the time of Noah
that I would never again let a flood cover the earth,
so now I swear
that I will never again be angry and punish you.
10 For the mountains may move
and the hills disappear,
but even then my faithful love for you will remain.
My covenant of blessing will never be broken,”
says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

11 “O storm-battered city,
troubled and desolate!
I will rebuild you with precious jewels
and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.
12 I will make your towers of sparkling rubies,
your gates of shining gems,
and your walls of precious stones.
13 I will teach all your children,
and they will enjoy great peace.

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Isaiah 54:4-10– Comfort – Your Maker Is Your Husband
Janet Isaac Morrison

https://youtu.be/4KVuU4ogl_o?rel=0
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NT Reading: Revelation 21:1-7 (NLT)

The New Jerusalem

21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

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All Who Are Thirsty – Brenton Brown
Hebron Church Wallasey

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Prayer: 

For Holy Thought

+ O God, without whose beauty and goodness our souls are unfed, without whose truth our reason withers: Consecrate our lives to your will, giving us such purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time we may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

In The Morning

+ Almighty God, you alone gave us the breath of life, and you alone can keep alive in us the holy desires you impart. We beseech you, for your compassion’s sake, to sanctify all our thoughts and endeavors, that we may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of our mind  enlightened to behold things invisible and unseen, we may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted as your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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Closing: Rev 21:5 (NLT)

Your Creator will be your husband;
the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name!
He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,
the God of all the earth.

 

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

1st Monday after Christmas Day: 27 Dec 2021: Psalm 148; Proverbs 8:32-36; John 21:19b-24 ~ Listen to me / and be joyful.

1st Monday After Christmas Day: 27 Dec 2021:

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

Opening:

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 for ever. Amen.

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
(Proverbs 8:32)

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Psalms: Psalm 148 (Highly Exalted)
Sixteen Cities

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OT Reading: Proverbs 8:32-36 (NLT)

8:32 “And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.
36 But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”

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Perfect Wisdom of Our God – Keith & Kristyn Getty

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NT Reading: John 21:19b-24 (NLT)

21:19 Then Jesus told [Peter], “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”

22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

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Follow Me – Casting Crowns

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Prayer:

Prayers For Joy And Laughter

Dear Lord Jesus, there are so many sad and troublesome things to face in the world today, which too often cause our hearts to become weighed down with difficulties and doubts, but I pray that Your joy would fill my heart and strengthen my soul, and that times of joyful laughter would replace those seasons of weeping and hardship.

I pray that in Christ, I may be clothed in strength and dignity, wisdom and grace and that I may be enabled to laugh in the storms and not to fear the future, knowing that my times are in Your hands. You have promised to draw near to each one of us, and be with us in every circumstance of life that may come our way.

I pray that Your joy and laughter may flow through me to others who are facing similar difficulties and hardships, and that together we may maintain an ever deepening trust in You, as we look for Your any day return to take us to be with Yourself. This I ask in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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Closing: Proverbs 8:34

Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!

For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.

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

The 1st Sunday of Christmas: 26 Dec 2021 – Isa 61:10-62:5; Ps 147:12-20; Gal 3:23—4:7; John 1:1-18 ~ The Word was God!

The 1st Sunday of Christmas: 26 Dec 2021

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

Opening:

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your
incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts,
may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

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.
(John 1:14)

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Joy to theWorld (Jeremy Camp)
Pastor Madeline

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OT Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:5 (NLT)

61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
or a bride with her jewels.
11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere.

Isaiah’s Prayer for Jerusalem

62:1 Because I love Zion,
I will not keep still.
Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,
I cannot remain silent.
I will not stop praying for her
until her righteousness shines like the dawn,
and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness.
World leaders will be blinded by your glory.
And you will be given a new name
by the Lord’s own mouth.
3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—
a splendid crown in the hand of God.
4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City”
or “The Desolate Land.”
Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”
and “The Bride of God,”
for the Lord delights in you
and will claim you as his bride.
5 Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,
just as a young man commits himself to his bride.
Then God will rejoice over you
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

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Psalm: Ps 147 -Stuart Townend – How Good It Is to Sing
ChristianLyrics

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NT Reading: Gal 3:23—4:7 (NLT)

God’s Children through Faith

3:23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed.

24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.

26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children[d] of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.

4 Think of it this way. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. 2 They have to obey their guardians until they reach whatever age their father set. 3 And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world.

4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 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. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

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Children of God – Third Day

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Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 (NLT)

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

14 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.

15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”

16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

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Light of the World – Lauren Daigle
LANDON’S LYRIC VIDEOS

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Prayer:

Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Christ, to see your presence among us, so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace.

For the Universal Church – William Laud

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

For Local Congregations

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in our congregations the pure Word of God may be  preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Those We Love

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Satisfaction in Christ – Julian of Norwich

O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen

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Closing: John 1:4-5 (NLT)

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.

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

Christmas Eve: Friday 24 Dec 2021: Isa 9:1-7; Ps 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 ~ A son is given to us!

Christmas Eve: Friday 24 Dec 2021:
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery 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.

While [Joseph and Mary] were [in Bethlehem],
the time came for her baby to be born.
She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth
and laid him in a manger,
because there was no lodging available for them.
(Luke 2:6-7)

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Once in royal David’s city – The St Michael’s Singers, The Coventry Singers
[WMTV Music]

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OT Reading: Isa 9:1-7 (NLT)

Hope in the Messiah

9:1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 The boots of the warrior
and the uniforms bloodstained by war
will all be burned.
They will be fuel for the fire.

6 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.
7 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!

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For Unto Us a Child is Born from “Handel’s Messiah in Grace Cathedral”
American Bach Soloists

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Psalms: Psalm 96  – Vertical Worship

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NT Reading: Titus 2:11-14 (NLT)

2:11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

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Away in a Manger – Cedarmont Kids

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Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14 (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

2:1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 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. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

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

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

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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Recorded LIVE for the Joy! An Irish Christmas broadcast featured on Public Television.

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Prayer:

Church Prayers and Intercessions for Christmas Eve

By Mr Ian Farthing (Thisischurch)

Let us pray

On this holy night in which God joins heaven and earth, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need.
Let us pray for the Church around the world as it celebrates the birth of Christ.

Bless all those who are entrusted with Christian ministry that your Word might be proclaimed with truth and courage across our world.

Bestow your wisdom on all who govern, that in honoring the earth and its diverse races, cultures, and religions, we may celebrate the light of this holy night.

Grant reconciliation to those besought with conflict and violence, that they may live in the peace of this holy night.

Lord in your Mercy – Hear our prayers…

Let us pray for all who are cold, hungry, or alone this night.
Embrace with your tender care all who wander alone or have no place to lay their head, they may experience the hope of this holy night.

Let us pray for all who are anxious, depressed, or ill. Draw near to those who find this season a source of pain or grief, and to all who are suffering or sick, especially those we remember in our own hearts … that they may feel the comfort of this holy night.

Lord in your Mercy – Hear our prayers…

Let us pray for parents, families, and children. Strengthen families in the bonds of love and commitment, that our homes might be places of joy and peace. Let us pray for ourselves and for the blessings of Christmas. Open our hearts to your presence, that we may be transformed by the new birth of this holy night. Let us give thanks for all our loved ones from whom we are parted this Christmas. Give us grace to entrust those who have passed before us into tender loving care, that we might join with them in singing your praises this holy night. May God grant unto us whatever we need that we might serve him in showing his love and compassion to our world, allowing the light of God to illuminate the dark places with grace and truth.

Merciful father accept these prayers for the sake of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen

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Benediction: Titus 2:11 (NLT)

The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

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

2nd Day Before Christmas: Thursday 23 Dec 2021: Luke 1:46b-55; Micah 4:6-8; 2 Peter 1:16-21 ~ “He is God’s beloved Son!”

2nd Day Before Christmas: Thursday 23 Dec 2021:
[Revised Common Lectionary Year C]

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

Opening:

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 for ever. Amen.

We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes
when he received honor and glory from God the Father.
The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him,
“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
(2 Peter 1:16b-17)

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Psalms: Luke 1:46b-55 (NLT)

Magnificat – (Mary) Christy Nockels – Todd Agnew, Do You See What I See?

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OT Reading: Micah 4:6-8 (NLT)

Israel’s Return from Exile

4:6 “In that coming day,” says the Lord,
“I will gather together those who are lame,
those who have been exiles,
and those whom I have filled with grief.
7 Those who are weak will survive as a remnant;
those who were exiles will become a strong nation.
Then I, the Lord, will rule from Jerusalem
as their king forever.”
8 As for you, Jerusalem,
the citadel of God’s people,
your royal might and power
will come back to you again.
The kingship will be restored
to my precious Jerusalem.

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“Of The Father’s Love Begotten” from Out of Darkness

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NT Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21 (NLT)

1:16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

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This Is My Beloved Son – by Pepper Choplin – St Joseph the Worker Virtual Choir
[St Joseph the Worker, Pittsburgh]

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Prayer: [Universalis]

Though the Lord’s coming is at hand, we must have patience: for he will come in his own time, in his own way.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

We live in a world weighed down by unbelief: Lord, increase our faith.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Upon the richness and complexity of man’s thoughts, among the theories and philosophies of our world today, let your coming shed its own glorious light.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Give us the strong faith of the apostles, and their fervor in preaching your Word.
– Lord Jesus, give us patience while we wait.

Almighty God,
now that the birthday of your Son as man is drawing near, we pray that your eternal Word, who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary and came to dwell among men, will show your unworthy people the greatness of his love and mercy. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, (one) God, for ever and ever.

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Benediction: 

The Lord bless us,
and keep us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life.

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