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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
Deep in the night the voice of the waves on the shore announced to us: Christ is born! Son of the King of kings from the land of salvation, the mountains glowed to Him, the plains glowed to Him, then shone the sun on the mountains high to Him. All hail, let there be joy.
God the Lord has opened a Door. Christ of hope, Door of joy! Son of Mary, hasten Thou to help me: In me, Lord Christ, let there be joy.
- Celtic Daily Prayer
Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)
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Scriptural Theme
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)
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Praying Luke 2:1-14 (New International Version - 1984)
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. *
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, *
"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: *
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom God's favor rests."
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. *
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song
(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)
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Ending Prayer
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
- Anglican Book of Common Prayer
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” )