(no subject)
Josh and I made the trek today out to my parents' house to do our laundry and decorate our traditional Christmas cookies, even though the "authorities" have advised everyone not to go out unless it's completely necessary. We didn't want to be alone at home all day not getting our laundry done, and we made it, so I'm happy we came out. Tonight's Advent service is canceled, which makes sense, but I'm still a little bummed about it. But this is the text of the prayer we opened with last week:
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Thanks be to God)
Jesus Christ,
You are the light of the world
(A light no darkness can extinguish)
Show us your mercy, O Lord.
(And grant us your salvation.)
Blessed are you, Lord,
God of our forebears:
Worthy to be praised
and glorified for ever.
Guide your church and keep it safe.
Hear us, O Lord.
Give all nations peace
and understanding.
Hear us, O Lord.
Grant us true repentance for our sins.
Hear us, O Lord.
Strengthen us for perseverance
in your service.
Hear us, O Lord.
Grant us what we need for our daily life.
Hear us, O Lord.
Give this place refreshment,
light, peace and joy.
Hear us, O Lord.
God of mercy and fidelity,
you loved the world so much
that you sent us your only Son
to be our Savior.
May we receive him
as our Lord and brother
and celebrate his gracious coming
to inaugurate the reign
of justice and peace.
We ask this in his holy name.
Amen.
I found it to be a fairly all-encompassing reflection on what Christmas generally is, so I think I'm just going to spend some time meditating on that. I think it's beautiful.
And now I'm being summoned for cookie-making...
Light and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Thanks be to God)
Jesus Christ,
You are the light of the world
(A light no darkness can extinguish)
Show us your mercy, O Lord.
(And grant us your salvation.)
Blessed are you, Lord,
God of our forebears:
Worthy to be praised
and glorified for ever.
Guide your church and keep it safe.
Hear us, O Lord.
Give all nations peace
and understanding.
Hear us, O Lord.
Grant us true repentance for our sins.
Hear us, O Lord.
Strengthen us for perseverance
in your service.
Hear us, O Lord.
Grant us what we need for our daily life.
Hear us, O Lord.
Give this place refreshment,
light, peace and joy.
Hear us, O Lord.
God of mercy and fidelity,
you loved the world so much
that you sent us your only Son
to be our Savior.
May we receive him
as our Lord and brother
and celebrate his gracious coming
to inaugurate the reign
of justice and peace.
We ask this in his holy name.
Amen.
I found it to be a fairly all-encompassing reflection on what Christmas generally is, so I think I'm just going to spend some time meditating on that. I think it's beautiful.
And now I'm being summoned for cookie-making...