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I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head,
And the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.*
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom,
And Gloria, Gloria we will sing
That God on earth is come.
- JRR Tolkien
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
You have prepared your salvation in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Luke 2:25-32 (English Standard Version)
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. *
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."
Response to the Scripture
Lo How a Rose e'er blooming, from tender stem hath sprung. Of Jesse's lineage coming as men of old have sung. It came a flower bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.
Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart
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The Spirit and the Bride say *
“Come!”
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
You have prepared your salvation in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
My lowly heart His manger bed
A place to lay His royal head,
Amidst the brokenness and strife
of my confused and empty life.
To bring His light, His hope, His gain
Into my life of guilt and pain,
To conquer all my fear and dread,
To come and be my Heavenly Bread.*
To shine His light on all that's true,
To feed and fill and make me new,
To give His Body for my own,
Flesh of His flesh, bone of His bone.
- Pat Bailey
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 2: Christmas Bridge Prayer – “The Joy of Longing Fulfilled” )