'Dear Lord, I am so lonely. It is Christmas, and my life is in such difficulty. [Here name your difficulties silently to Jesus]. I feel so alone, so abandoned, so weary of the struggle with life. I ask you to bless me in a special way on this Your Birthday. Please help me with the hope and strength I need to continue on this road. I know that you, too, drank from the cup of loneliness and fear. And yet, through perseverance and trust in the Father, You won through to the glorious Resurrection. Help me, too, on my road. I ask You, through this Prayer Chapel, to flood my heart with reassurance and Your Love. I beg you to give me renewed hope and strength on my path. Amen.' Jesus; 'Dear child, You are always loved. I would have come into this world for you - you, alone. I would have walked life's pathways, travels and difficulties for you - you, alone. I would have suffered my loneliness in the Garden of Gethsemane and my dreadful sufferings and death for you - you, alone. You are unutterably precious. You are my child, I am your Good Shepherd and never, never, will I leave you. Be at peace, and rest within my strength. I will never fail you. It is no mistake that you are reading these words; I, the Good Shepherd, am always waiting for my children. And when you feel that all is most lost, why, then it is that my Light shines brightest through the darkness, fear and the agony of sorrow. Be at peace at my birth, knowing that all will be well. I love you. Never will I abandon you. Now be at peace.'
If you are unable to attend a Church Service, why not follow the Mass below in prayer and make spiritual Communion with Our Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps you have been working in essential services, are caregiver at home or ill in bed. All of your intentions have been held before the Lord. The Christmas Church Service; Celebrant; 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Congregation; 'Amen.'
Lyrics; 'Oh little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light, The hopes and fears of all the years, Are met in thee tonight. O morning stars, together Proclaim thy holy birth And praises sing to God, the King, And peace to all on earth. For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. How silently, how silently, The wondrous Gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessing of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. O Holy Child of Bethlehm, Descend to us, we pray: Cast out our sins and enter in, Be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!' Celebrant; "Let us pray. See Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, The star blazing from the Heavens; Angels awaiting the birth with breathless joy.Let us rejoice in the coming of God's Son, As we join in prayer this Holy Night."
Invitation to Confession; Celebrant; 'Christ the Light of the World has come, to dispel the darkness. May His Light irradiate our lives.' Here follows a few moments of silence. Reach out to God with your heart, and think of any area in your life where you can improve as a person. If there is an area in your life on which you need to work, silently communicate with God and commit to addressing this area. Celebrant; 'God our Father, You sent Your Son; born of a Virgin, born in a stable. Forgive our failures to receive Him. Lord have mercy.' Congregation; 'Lord, have mercy.'
Celebrant; 'Jesus our Savior, Born in poverty, apprentice to carpenter, Forgive the times we have wanted money more than the ways of God. Christ, have mercy.' Congregation; 'Christ, have mercy.'
Celebrant; 'Spirit of Love, Your servants Mary and Joseph obeyed Your Word and gave us our Saviour. Forgive us when our hearts are hard.' Congregation; 'Lord have mercy.'
Celebrant; May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to life eternal.' Congregation; 'Amen.' Celebrant; 'May God Who loved the world so much, That He sent His Son to be our Saviour, Forgive us our sins, and make us holy to serve Him in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord Congregation; 'Amen.' Congregation; 'Glory to God in the highest; And peace to all of goodwill. We praise You, we bless you, we adore You, we glorify You. We give You thanks for Your Great Glory. Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, only Begotten Son of the Father. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. You Who take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. You are seated at the Right Hand of The Father, Have mercy on us. For You alone are Holy, You alone are Lord. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit in the Glory of God the Father. Amen.' Readings; First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, 9;6-7 'For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, And the government will be upon His Shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Of the increase of His government and peace, There will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.' Responsorial Psalm Response; Today is born our Saviour, Christ our Lord. Sing to the LORD a new song, Sing to the LORD, all you lands, Sing to the LORD, bless His Name. R. Today is born our Saviour, Christ our Lord. Announce His Salvation, day after day, Tell His glory among the nations, Among all peoples, His wondrous deeds. R. Today is born our Saviour, Christ our Lord. They shall exult, before the LORD, for He comes; He comes to rule the earth. He shall rule the earth with justice, And the peoples with His constancy. R. Today is born our Saviour, Christ our Lord. Second Reading from Luke 2;7; "Mary gave birth to her Firstborn, a Son, And wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, And laid Him in a manger." Gospel Acclamation: "Alleluia, Alleluia. Christ is born in Bethlehem, and we rejoice in our newborn Saviour, Alleluia, Alleluia." Celebrant; Gospel; Luke 2;1 - 16 "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee in Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and town of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a Child. While they were there, the time came for the Baby to be born, and she gave birth to her Firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the Glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring great news that will bring great joy to all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you; He will be wrapped in cloths, and laid in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the Heavenly Host appeared with the Angel, praising God and saying, '"Glory to God in the Highest Heaven, And on earth peace to those on whom His Favour rests." When the Angels had left them and gone into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another; "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in the manger.'
Celebrant; 'This is the gospel of Christ.' Congregation; 'Glory to Christ our Saviour.' Word of Comfort Celebrant; 'Tonight we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ to our world. Our people were wearily wandering in the darkness of the banishment which was our heritage from our forefathers after the Fall. Sin, sickness and death had come into the world as results of the Fall, and nothing - it seemed - would ever be able to restore the grim picture of humanity to the original innocence and joy which had been our birthright. Then God sent His Only Son our Lord, and, born into the family of a young Israelite woman and a carpenter husband, He flourished to become our Hope - our Love - our Redemption. In a world which is suffering, let us continue to emit rays of light from our beings, messengers and prophets of the ultimate truth which would cry out from the stones if we did not proclaim it; JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD, OUR LORD, AND OUR SAVIOUR. Let us worship God our Lord, and confidently place our feet on the road home at last to Heaven. Indeed, 'Christ our Saviour is born I pray that as you read these words and celebrate the joy of the woundrous event through this Mass, that you be overwhelmed with a joy and blessing so deep it will never leave you. May you and your loved ones be blessed.' You may spend some time in quiet reflection if you so wish. Prayers of Intercession; Celebrant; 'Let us pray to Jesus our Saviour. Christ, born in humble circumstances, we pray for all who have lost their lives this past year because they belong to Your Fold.' Congregation; 'Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.' Celebrant; 'Christ, for whom the angels sang, Bless all those who attend this Mass, and all in the world - especially those most in need of Your Blessing.' Congregation; 'Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.' Celebrant; 'Christ, worshipped by the shepherds, we pray for refugees and for those who have died fleeing conflict.' Congregation; 'Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer' . Celebrant; 'Christ, before whom the wise men knelt, we pray for all who work against the coming of Your Kingdom, that they may receive miraculous conversion of heart. Congregation; 'Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.' Celebrant; 'Christ, whose radiance filled a lowly manger, give the glory of Your Resurrection to all who rest in you.' Congregation; 'Jesus, Saviour, hear our prayer.' Celebrant; 'Jesus, Saviour, child of Mary, you know us and love us, you share our lives and hear our prayer. Glory to you for ever. Amen., Breaking of Bread Celebrant; 'Almighty God, You made a covenant with Your people, and declared Your purpose of justice and love. When all things were ready, You sent Your Son to be Our Saviour. Through word and deed He proclaimed Your Kingdom, and obeyed Your Will even to death on the cross. Through His mighty death and resurrection, He overcame sin and death, to set the whole creation free. We praise You, Father,that on the night before He gave His life, our Lord Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to His disciples and said; 'Take, eat; this is My Body which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.' Congregation; 'Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life.' Celebrant; 'After the same manner also He took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them saying, 'Take this, all of you, and drink; for this is My Blood; the Blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins. Do This in memory of Me.' Congregation; 'Lord Jesus, You are the Cup of Life, the wine that is blessed for our salvation.'
The Lord's Prayer; 'Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever, Amen.' Benediction; Celebrant; 'May the joy of the Angels, The eagerness of the shepherds, The perseverance of the wise men, The obedience of Joseph and Mary, And the peace of the Christ-Child Be yours this Christmas; And the blessing of Almighty God be yours this Christmas, now and forever,' Congregation; 'Amen'. Final Hymn; Silent Night
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born
Silent night, holy night! Son of God love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH CONTINUES WITH ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US IN PRAYER WITH THE HOLY ROSARY AT http://comepraytherosary.org/ With thanks to comepraytherosary.org
If you are unable to attend a Church Service, why not follow the service below and make Spiritual Communion with Our Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps you have been working in essential services, are caregiver at home or ill in bed. All your intentions have been held before the LORD. Advent Ceremony The fourth advent wreath candle has been lit, as we prepare for the Advent of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Advent Mass THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD Priest; Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed are those who will come from east and west, from north and south, to feast in the Kingdom of God. Entrance Hymn; The King shall come when the morning dawns
The King shall come when morning dawns And light triumphant breaks, When beauty gilds the eastern hills And life to joy awakes. Not as of old a little child, To bear and fight and die, But crowned with glory like the sun That lights the morning sky. Oh, brighter than the rising morn When Christ, victorious, rose And left the lonesome place of death Despite the rage of foes. Oh, brighter than that glorious morn Shall dawn upon our race The day when Christ in splendor comes And we shall see his face. The King shall come when morning dawns And light and beauty brings. Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray: Come quickly, King of kings. Priest: "Our Lord Jesus Christ said: 'The first commandment is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." The second is this, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these.' 'I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' Congregation: Amen. Lord, have mercy. Confession Priest: "Let us confess our sins to God, trusting in His Mercy and Forgiveness." Congregation: "Holy and forgiving God, we have sinned against you and each other in thought and word and deed. We have turned from Your life-giving Word, and ignored the message of those You sent. We are unprepared for the coming of Your Son. Have mercy upon us and forgive us, that strengthened by your love we may serve you more faithfully; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Priest: ' "I am making all things new," says the Lord. This is Christ's gracious Word: 'Your sins are forgiven.' Congregation: "Amen. Thanks be to God." Priest; "Let us pray; God of mercy and power, Whose Son rules over all, grant us so to live in obedience to Your Holy Will. that at His Appearing we may be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Congregation: "Amen." Reading: Luke 3 John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.9 The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Priest: This is the Gospel of Christ. Congregation: Praise to Christ our Lord. Words of Comfort: "The call of John the Baptist echoes to us to prepare a way for the Lord. The prophet calls from the waterside in remembrance of the deliverance of Moses from water, and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery through water. John calls from the rocks and wilderness from which Israel was liberated. John preached true liberation - the advent of the Son of God Who was coming to liberate the nations from the tyranny of the evil one. John quoted Isaiah, who prophesied the coming of the great King. There would be preparations of the road on which God would come. Each of us needs to face our own sinfulness, our inherent personal weakness. The world more than ever needs people who face up to the challenges of the gospels. The healing of nations comes when Christians live out their gospel lives with authenticity. We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice: we must speak. The people of God do not face doom or destruction: rather, we face eternal life after our departure from earth's terminus. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to set us free. What do you need to do in order to prepare your own way for the Lord? Perhaps you are called to work on a project of peace. Or to visit a prisoner. Someone may be in need, and require help. Whatever we are called to do, helps to prepare the way for the Lord and to make His paths straight. We need to be worthy of the King who comes: let our character become more and more stamped with the Face of the Christ Whose advent at Christmas changed our world."
Intercessions Priest: "Let us pray. In joyful expectation of His coming to reign we pray to our Lord, saying, Come, Lord Jesus." Congregation: "Come, Lord Jesus." Priest: "Come to Your world as King of the nations. We pray for all countries in our world. Before You rulers will stand in silence. Come, Lord Jesus." Congregation: "Come, Lord Jesus." The Lord's Supper Priest: "Let us pray. We do not presume to come to this Your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Your table. But You are the same Lord Whose Nature is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, to come to this table in order to be fed by Your Gracious Son, Jesus Christ." Congregation: "Amen." Priest: "We praise You, Lord God, King of the universe, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, 'Take and eat. This is My Body given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it all of you. This is My Blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." Congregation: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be Yours, O Lord, for ever and ever. Amen." The Lord's Prayer Priest: "We pray together the prayer that Jesus gave us:" Congregation: "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy Will be done; on earth as It is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever." Congregation: "Amen." The Peace Priest: "May the God of peace make you holy and keep you free from every fault as you wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The peace of the Lord be always with you." Congregation: "And also with you." The Breaking of the Bread Priest: "Like those who look for the morning so we wait for the Lord. Be known to us, Lord, in the breaking of the bread."
Communion Priest: "The Body of Christ keep you in eternal life." Congregant: "Amen." Priest: "The Blood of Christ keep you in eternal life." Congregant: "Amen." Prayer Priest: "Let us pray. We thank You, Lord, for feeding us with the Bread of Heaven and the Cup of Salvation. Keep us in Your Grace and at the coming of Christ in glory bring us with your saints into the life of Your Kingdom." Congregation: "Amen." Blessing Priest: "Christ the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and prepare our hearts and souls to meet Him when He comes in glory; and the blessing of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be yours, now and always." Congregation [with great joy]: "Amen!" Hymn: On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh; awake and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings.
Then cleansed be every breast from sin; make straight the way for God within, prepare we in our hearts a home where such a mighty Guest may come.
For thou art our salvation, Lord, our refuge and our great reward; without thy grace we waste away like flowers that wither and decay.
To heal the sick stretch out thine hand, and bid the fallen sinner stand; shine forth and let thy light restore earth's own true loveliness once more.
All praise, eternal Son, to thee, whose advent doth thy people free; whom with the Father we adore and Holy Ghost for evermore.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD The Advent wreath has been lit; all four candles are blazing. Why not light your own virtual Advent wreath if you do not have one at home? http://dayoftheunbornchild.com/VirtualAdventWreath.htm#AdventWreathUnlit Priest; 'We await the coming of the Messiah.' Congregation; 'Come, Lord Jesus!' First Reading; Isaiah Chapter 9, verses 2, 6 and 7 '2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; On those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 6 6 6 6 For unto us a Child is born to us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, Establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.' The opening Carol is 'O Come all ye faithful'
'O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word. Give to our Father glory in the Highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.' THE JESSE TREE
The last ornaments have been placed on our Jesse tree for the fourth week of Advent.
The reading is from the Prophet Micah, Chapter 5, verses 2 to 4;
'2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for Me
One who will be Ruler over Israel,
Whose origins are of old,
from ancient times.
3 3 3 3 3
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor bears a Son,
and the rest of His brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd His flock,
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the Name of the LORD His GOD,
and He will live securely, for then His Greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.'
The next carol is 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.
'O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel.' Third Reading The reading is taken from Saint Luke Chapter 2, verses 1 to 7; '1 In 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. 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.' The next carol is 'Silent Night'
'Silent night, Holy night.
All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, Holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia. Christ, the Saviour, is born, Christ, the Saviour, is born. Silent night, Holy night. Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth.' WORDS OF COMFORT; 'Jesus our Saviour was prophesied by the prophets. The holy Prophet Micah, to whom God spoke His Holy Word, saw deep into the future. There a small town - deep in Galilee - was to bring forth the greatest King ever known; Christ the Saviour. Yet, we need not fear. The luminous Son of God, Head of the Heavenly Host, Emperor of the Universe, comes as a humble infant. First, He comes to bless His animals, part of the creation He made. As they chew their cud and warm the cold air about His manger, He lies there in peace. Jesus blesses human marriage and the love of a man and woman, by being born within the family unit. He loves the poor and struggling for their daily bread; His angels call the shepherds, the working class, from their fields. To them will each be given a throne in the Kingdom of Heaven. The stars and planets align to signify the cosmos news that He has come to His own creation; the star shines upon His birthplace. Jesus loves His own creation, and rejoices in the work of His Hands. Jesus loves the rich, wealthy and politically influential. The kings follow their portent, the star, and are humbled to kneel before Him with their presents. To them will an equal throne to that of the poor, be given in Heaven. Whether we are rich or poor - whatever strata of human society we belong to - we are equally loved, equally cherished, by God. Jesus died for each of us, because, without His bail for the sin of our ancestors, we - rich and poor - were all doomed to eternal banishment from God and from Heaven. So let us be confident as we approach the manger of Jesus this day. Whoever we are, we are loved. Cherished. Forever. If there are burdens upon your heart, lay them before that humble manger. If there are prayers you need to utter, pray them now in the silence of your heart before the Lord. And, as you look into the soft eyes of the Babe of Bethlehem, know that what you always wished for, always prayed for, has happened - you are loved, unconditionally, totally, as you are. Let us rejoice in the message of Christmas. Peace to all of goodwill. If there are any with whom you have not made peace, why not make peace with them this Christmas time. Whether or not they accept your apology and olive branch. In the spirit of Christmas, let us offer peace to all as peace has been offered to us.'
