Tag: Daily Reading

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.

image

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


_________

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….
__________

“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


__________

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

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

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)
__________

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.”

image

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.
__________

“Christmas Communion Song”


_________

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

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

Advent Daily Prayer: 22 December – Luke 2:1-21 ~ good news of great joy

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

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 NLT)
__________

Morning Reading: Luke 2:1-21 NLT

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.

The Adoration of the Shepherds Guido Reni, ca 1600 Certosa di San Martino, Naples
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Guido Reni, ca 1600
Certosa di San Martino, Naples

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. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.
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Prayer:

Lord Jesus: we welcome You into our hearts and minds – be born again in our lives today.

+ Drive away our fears and anxieties – that we may delight in the wonders of Your glory .
+ Purify our hearts – that our motivations and actions may be pleasing to You.
+ Grant us Your peace – that we may reflect Your calm presence in the raging storms.
+ Fill us with joyful expectation – that we may eagerly await the celebration of Christmas.
+ Keep us ever alert and watchful – that we may be prepared for Your immanent Return.

Lord Jesus – Savior, Messiah – You are the light of the world and the hope of nations. Reveal Your glory, once again, to all Your people at Christmas – that we may find hope and help in our time of need. Amen.
__________

“Angels from the Realms of Glory” – Fountainview Academy


_________

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

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

Advent Daily Prayer: 21 December – Matthew 1:18-25 ~ name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins

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

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (Mark 1:2-3 NLT)
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Morning Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 NLT

The Dream of Saint Joseph Anton Raphael Mengs - circa 1773-1774 Kunsthistorisches Museum (Austria - Vienna)

The Dream of Saint Joseph
Anton Raphael Mengs – circa 1773-1774
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Austria – Vienna)

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, her fiancé, was a good 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.
__________

Prayer:

Immanuel, Jesus Savior: we wait expectantly for Your return – deliver us from evil and restore all creation to its intended perfection.

+ Thank You for loving each one of us personally in spite of ourselves.
+ Forgive us our abuse of freedom and release us from our bondage to sin.
+ Renew in us a joyful spirit that we may sing Your praises, especially as we celebrate Your birth.
+ Give us a humble heart and willing spirit that we may obey You, no matter how improbable the circumstances.

We offer You our lives today, Lord. You alone are worthy of our worship, be glorified in us Christ Jesus, only Son of the Father, who reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
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“God with us” – Mercyme


_________

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

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