Tag: The Season of Advent

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.
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“Angels from the Realms of Glory” – Fountainview Academy


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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

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)
__________

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.
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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


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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

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: 19 December – Luke 1:32, 69; Revelation 22:16 ~ the bright morning star

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)
__________

Morning Reading: Luke 1:32, 69 NLT

He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
_____

He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David….

Jesus star of David

Morning Reading: Revelation 22:16 NLT

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.”
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Prayer:

Mighty Savior, Son of the Most High: You are Jesus, the source of all power and authority. You are the beginning and the end, the only begotten eternal One. You are the Everlasting King, the ruler of heaven and earth. You are the Bright Morning Star, the hope of nations. You are the Holy One of Israel, worthy of all praise and Lord of all. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus, in all the splendor of Your majesty. Amen.
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“A Million Suns” – Hillsong Live


_________

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: 18 December – Zechariah 9:9-11 ~ Rejoice! Our King is coming.

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)
__________

Morning Reading: Zechariah 9:9-11 NLT

Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey — riding on a donkey’s colt.

Rejoice greatly

I will remove the battle chariots from Israel and the warhorses from Jerusalem. I will destroy all the weapons used in battle, and your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.

Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death in a waterless dungeon.
__________

Prayer:

King Jesus: Come and rescue me.
+ You alone are the righteous One – forgive me for trusting in my own goodness.
+ You alone are victorious – forgive me for trusting in my own abilities.
+ You come with power – forgive me for trusting in my own strength.
+ You come in humility – forgive my brashness.
+ You come in peace – forgive my testiness.

King Jesus: Save me from myself great God and Savior. Show me how to live joyfully, wisely and obediently so that I may honor You in all things. I look forward with hope to that wonderful day when Your glory will be revealed. Even so, come quickly Lord!
__________

“Shouts Of Joy , Sing For Joy , Roni Roni Bat Zion (Rejoice Rejoice Daugther Of Zion) “

_________

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: 17 December – Ezekiel 34:20-24 ~ I will rescue my flock

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)
__________

Morning Reading: Ezekiel 34:20-24 NLT

Lamb newborn

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will surely judge between the fat sheep and the scrawny sheep. For you fat sheep pushed and butted and crowded my sick and hungry flock until you scattered them to distant lands. So I will rescue my flock, and they will no longer be abused. I will judge between one animal of the flock and another. And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among my people. I, the Lord, have spoken!
__________

Prayer:

Shepherd King: Rescue Your flock and lead us to safety.

+ Good Shepherd: You provide for all my needs – may I remain healthy and lean that the hungry may be fed.
+ Good Shepherd: You provide me with rest and refreshment – may I remain in Your presence and be strengthened.
+ Good Shepherd: You guide me along paths that honor You – may I be attune to Your voice and follow You.
+ Good Shepherd: You protect and comfort me in dark times – may I fearlessly trust You with my life.
+ Good Shepherd: You honor me and welcome me to Your table – may I receive with joy Your cup of blessing.

Shepherd King: Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in Your house forever. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever.
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“The Shepherds’ Farewell” – King”s College Cambridge

Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling, The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care!

Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd’s lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear!

Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild!
_________

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