Tag: Daily Reading

Epiphany Sunday – 06 Jan 2019 – Matthew 2:1-12 ~ wise men worship Him

Epiphany Sunday

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

Opening Prayer

Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendor. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and goodwill. Make radiant the lives of your people with that same brightness, and beckon all the nations to walk as one in your light. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“We Three Kings of Orient Are” – Angel City Chorale

We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder Star.

O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
Star with Royal Beauty bright,
Westward leading, Still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect Light.

Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King for ever, Ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King, and God, and Sacrifice;
Heav’n sings Hallelujah:
Hallelujah the earth replies.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (NLT)

Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Almighty God: We join today with wise men and women throughout the ages who have worshiped King Jesus, born in Bethlehem in a manger. Shine your light in our darkness that we may be filled with hope in every circumstance.

We pray especially –

+ For the people of all tribes and nations, that they may hear and believe the Good News of your saving grace….
+ For believers in the Middle East, suffering persecution, that the light of Christ will lead them to safety….
+ For Orthodox believers, who celebrate Christmas on January 7th, that together we may all draw closer to you  and be one in Christ….
+ For the Jewish people, our brothers and sisters, that through the faithful study of your word, they too may recognize Yeshua Mashiach….
+ For people of all faiths and of none, that in this New Year they too may grow in peace and goodwill….
+ For our friends and relatives who have died in Christ, that may rejoice in the perfect light of your presence….

Almighty God, Ruler of all nations: help us according to our needs, and guide us on our pilgrimage to eternity. We pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” – Six-String Soldiers

Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem | Shining far through shadows dimmed
Giving the light for those who long have gone
Guiding the wise men on their way | Unto the place where Jesus lay
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star (beautiful, beautiful star) of Bethlehem (star of Bethlehem)
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way | Unto the land of perfect day
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star the hope, the grace | For the redeemed the good and the blessed
Yonder in glory when the crown is won
Jesus is now the star divine | Brighter and brighter he will shine
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on

Oh beautiful star (beautiful, beautiful star) of Bethlehem (star of Bethlehem)
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way | Unto the land of perfect day
Oh beautiful star of Bethlehem shine on
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Blessing –

+ May God who called you from darkness into his marvelous light shower you with his blessings and strengthen you in faith, hope, and love.
+ May God whose only-begotten Son enlightened the world on this day make you also a light to your family, friends, and neighbors.
+ May God who guided the Magi with a star lead you to the perfect light of Christ when your earthly pilgrimage is done.

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

First Sunday of Christmas – 30 Dec – John 1:1-18 ~ Christmas reveals God’s unfailing love and faithfulness

First Sunday of Christmas

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

Opening Prayer

As your sons and daughters, O loving God, we come before you in thanksgiving, called and united by your eternal Word. Teach us to ponder the mystery of Christmas, that we may always find in you the source of our strength and the unity of our life together. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Adore” – Chris Tomlin

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

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

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.

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

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.

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.’”

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 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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Prayers of Intercession:

God our Creator: You made us and spoke life into us, and you adopted us into your family. Make plain your unfailing love and faithfulness to us today. We pray especially –

+ For all the members of your family, that joy and peace may be theirs through the celebration of Christmas…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are displaced and dispossessed, that they may be protected and find comfort and rest…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our friends and neighbors, that the Word made flesh may be at the center of every home…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all families where there is heartache or hurt, that everyone involved may experience reconciliation and healing…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who look to the future with fear, that the unfailing love of Christ may dispel their anxiety as they approach the coming year…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who are sick, in hospitals or living in nursing homes, that we may remember them and honor them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially during the past year, that they may rejoice in eternal life with the angels of heaven…. Lord, hear us.

God our Creator: Your strength sustains us all our days, hear our prayers and reveal your heart to us throughout the New Year, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“In the beginning” – Joel Payne

 

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Blessing – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT)

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

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

Christmas Day: 25 Dec – Luke 2:15-20 ~ treasure and think about these things

Christmas Day

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

Opening Prayer

Good and gracious God, on this holy day You gave us Your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all, lying in a manger. On this holy day draw us into the mystery of Your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing Your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the One for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, Your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendour of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“O Come let us adore Him” – Hillsong


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Reading: Luke 2:15-20 (NLT)

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.
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Intercessory Prayer

Friends in Christ, let us join together to ask God to fill the whole world with His Light. We pray especially –

+ For all who celebrate the birth of Christ around the world, that He may bring new, refreshing, Light into our lives….
+ For all whose lives are darkened by war and violence, that the peace and goodwill proclaimed by the angels come quickly….
+ For all families and children who are destitute, that we may respond generously with help and hope….
+ For all who are lost and lonely, that we may find them and comfort them with the Good News – “God with them” has come….
+ For all who are sick and dying, that we may bring healing and the Good News of eternal life….
+ For our neighbors and families, that Christ may receive a warm welcome among us….
+ For all who have died in Christ, especially since last Christmas, that the peace and joy of heaven may be theirs…..

Maker of heaven and earth, Your Son is born for us, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God: hear our prayers through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
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“Born is the King” – Hillsong


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Blessing – Titus 2:11-13

The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people; therefore let us turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God – looking 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!

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!

Third Sunday of Advent – 16 Dec – Luke 3:7-18 ~ the Good News of repentance

Third Sunday of Advent

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

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good. Let the fire of your Spirit purge us of selfishness and hypocrisy, so that, purified, we may find our peace in you and you may delight in us. Grant 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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“Gaudete” – Querela – historická lidová hudba – Prague, Czech Republic

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

The time of grace has come for which we have prayed
Let us devoutly sing songs of joy.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary; Rejoice!

God is made man, while nature wonders
The world is renewed by Christ the King.

Therefore, let our assembly sing praises now at this time of purification
Let it bless the Lord: greetings to our King.
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Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18 (NLT)

When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

The crowds asked, “What should we do?”

John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

“What should we do?” asked some soldiers.

John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Mighty God, our strength and our salvation, hear our prayers –

+ For all who follow Christ Jesus – that we may be joyful…
+ For all who are poor and needy – that we may freely share what we have…
+ For all who are brokenhearted – that we may comfort and support them..
+ For all who are sick – that we may visit and pray for them…
+ For all who are alone – that we may love and assist them…
+ For all who have died in Christ – that they may experience the joy of eternal life…

God our Savior, we rejoice in your loving-kindness and mighty deeds, help us we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Isaiah 12” (Sing to the Lord) – the Ambassadors

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Blessing – Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”

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