Bidding Prayer at Christmas Lessons and Carols
Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be our care
and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in
heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this
thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving
purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto
the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child; and
let us make this place glad with our carols of praise.
But first, let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for
peace and goodwill over all the earth; for the mission and
unity of the Church for which he died, and especially in this
country and within this city.
And because this of all things would rejoice his heart, let us
at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless;
the hungry and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn; the
lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all
those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by
sin have grieved his heart of love.
Lastly, let us remember before God his pure and lowly Mother, and
all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a
greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope
was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we
for evermore are one.
[Book of Occasional Services]
John Lennon's "Happy Christmas" with images to move us toward intercession and work for peace and justice:
For the Poor and the Neglected
Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Oppressed
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST 25th December
TROPARION From The Festal Menaion
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone upon the world with the light of knowledge: for thereby they who adored the stars through a star were taught to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee.
KONTAKION From The Festal Menaion
Today the Virgin gives birth to Him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to Him whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and Magi journey with a star. For unto us is born a young Child, the pre-eternal God.
An Arabic Christmas Carol (Byzantine Hymn to the Nativity):
Collect for Christmas Day
Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
h/t to JN1034 for the videos and the concept
--the BB
3 comments:
What a way to begin my Christmas Eve morning. Your words, interspersed with images and prayers are moving as always.
The video was just outstanding. I liked that it was slow moving and that the hymn had that haunting sound. I was transported back to my own travels to Bethlehem, Mt Nebo and Petra; combine that with my deep longing to return to those places. And my deeper longing to go to Mt Sinai and other locations in the middle east.
May be the peace, grace and blessings of this Child born today be ever in your hearts.
Paul, thank you for the lovely post. The Byzantine hymn is gorgeous. Fran has it right - haunting.
The prayers are beautiful, as are the pictures. You're a treasure to the blogosphere. Remember when you're famous that I was one of your early admirers. I know how to pick 'em.
The scenes of the children in the video are heartbreaking.
Pray for my son and his ex. The negotiations between them for Christmas visitation with their children are not going well.
Last night and today, I've mostly been naughty at my blog, so I suppose it's coal in my stocking tomorrow.
A Blessed and Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones, my friend.
Prayers ascending as I type, Grandmère. Holidays and family are a volatile combination at the best of times, and children caught in the middle are heartbreaking. My some unexpected graces ease the tensions and facilitate reasonableness for the sake of the children and may you all we enwrapped with Christ's love this Christmas.
And really, how good can we be? If Santa were not more understanding than he is portrayed we'd all of us have gotten little but coal for many years. I say the old guy works on grace; all the evidence points in that direction.
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