A birth bringing a blessing
Prayer
Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Based Upon Cycle C Lectionary Gospels
Gospel Theme:
A birth bringing a blessing
Gospel Note:
Luke's birth narrative, like Matthew's, is both profound and problematic, especially if treated as an historically factual account. Taken as a theological statement, however, the story is full of meaning. Especially clear is the testimony Luke attributes to the angels: first one announces the birth itself, then a multitude proclaims the blessing of peace on earth that it will bring.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
From Shepherding Of Stars
The Hills Are Bare At Bethlehem
Away In A Manger
I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve
16
Christmas Eve
Most Holy God,
this is the night of all nights!
The great light has come!
Deep darkness no longer reigns!
Joy beyond measure is here to stay!
Angels illuminated the night sky and sang this
glorious news to the shepherds. Then they told
the shepherds what sign to look for.
Lord, we need to be told what signs to look for
too!
So often our thoughts are dominated by:
strained travel schedules,
over-indulgent appetites,
and the frenzy of decorating and baking,
shopping and entertaining.
The mother of our Lord had the right idea.
When she heard the report of the shepherds,
she pondered what it meant in her heart.
Lord, help us to realize that the pace we
maintain in life often erodes our ability to
ponder, to reflect.
Restore our ability to pause and reflect.
Show us where to look for signs of your grace.
Teach us to act upon the faith we have.
Amen.
17
A birth bringing a blessing
Gospel Note:
Luke's birth narrative, like Matthew's, is both profound and problematic, especially if treated as an historically factual account. Taken as a theological statement, however, the story is full of meaning. Especially clear is the testimony Luke attributes to the angels: first one announces the birth itself, then a multitude proclaims the blessing of peace on earth that it will bring.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
From Shepherding Of Stars
The Hills Are Bare At Bethlehem
Away In A Manger
I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve
16
Christmas Eve
Most Holy God,
this is the night of all nights!
The great light has come!
Deep darkness no longer reigns!
Joy beyond measure is here to stay!
Angels illuminated the night sky and sang this
glorious news to the shepherds. Then they told
the shepherds what sign to look for.
Lord, we need to be told what signs to look for
too!
So often our thoughts are dominated by:
strained travel schedules,
over-indulgent appetites,
and the frenzy of decorating and baking,
shopping and entertaining.
The mother of our Lord had the right idea.
When she heard the report of the shepherds,
she pondered what it meant in her heart.
Lord, help us to realize that the pace we
maintain in life often erodes our ability to
ponder, to reflect.
Restore our ability to pause and reflect.
Show us where to look for signs of your grace.
Teach us to act upon the faith we have.
Amen.
17
