Z is for ZZZZs....resting

Z is for ZZZs (resting).

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Y is for YES

Y is for Yes...to Jesus!

Galatians 2:20

…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

Blessings

Sarah 

Advent Wreath Lighting Liturgy for Christmas Eve/Day

CHRISTMAS EVE or CHRISTMAS DAY

Reader 1:

On the first Sunday of Advent we lit the prophet candle on our Advent wreath to remind us of the hope we have in Christ.     

Light the first candle – at 9 o’clock on the wreath)

The Second Sunday of Advent we lit the Bethlehem candle to remind us of the gift of peace.

Light the second candle – at 6 o’clock on the wreath.

Reader 2:

The third Sunday of Advent we lit the shepherds’ candle to remind us that our joy is in God and in his son Jesus Christ. 

Light the third candle, the pink one - at 3 o’clock on the wreath.

The fourth Sunday of Advent we lit the angels’ candle to remind us that God shows us His perfect love for us in his son Jesus Christ.

Light the fourth candle – at 12 o’clock on the wreath.

Reader 3:                  

Now we light the center candle, the Christ candle.  This candle is white and symbolizes Christ's holiness, purity, and perfection.  Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, the light of the world who was born on this night.

Light the center candle – the Christ candle.

Reader 4:

Luke 2:1-7    

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.  ⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Pray together...

O God, you have caused this holy [night] to shine with the brightness of the true Light:  Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

X is for eXalting...Christmas Day

X is for Exalting...Jesus is born!

Psalm 40:16

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The Lord be exalted!”

Blessings
Sarah

W is for WISE MEN...Christmas Eve

Adoration of the Magi by Andrea Mantegna

W is for Wise men...

who brought Jesus his first gifts.

Matthew 2:11

When the wise men saw Jesus they bowed down to worship him and gave him gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

Blessings

Sarah

V is for VIRGIN Mary

Red and Black Madonaa by Vanessa Leonowicz

V is for the Virgin Mary...God’s servant.

Luke 1: 26-28

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin's name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you.”

Blessings

Sarah