THE THINGS IN MARY’S HEART

I’ve always liked the way in which the Gospel writer Luke concludes his version of the Christmas story by telling us that Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2: 19).  I have often wondered, What are the things that Mary kept and pondered in her heart?  Luke does not tell us, though Mary might have told Luke.  But we can speculate.

1. How much she loved and appreciated Joseph

The first thing that Mary must have kept and pondered in her heart was how much she loved and appreciated Joseph.  For it had not been easy for Joseph.  And Mary knew it.

What kind of man was Joseph?  Even when Joseph thought that Mary had done him a great wrong, still he had no desire to punish – or even kill – or humiliate her.  Rather he intended to break off their engagement quietly.  Joseph had an inner strength that Mary certainly must have admired.

In the Jewish home it was the father who had primary responsibility for the religious instruction of the children.  Luke tells us that at the age of twelve Jesus impressed the teachers in the Temple with His knowledge of the Scriptures.  Joseph must have done his job very, very well.

Jesus told about a Heavenly Father who will not hold back any good things from His beloved children.  Joseph must have been that kind of an earthly father.  No wonder Mary loved him so much. 

I think of my own life partner, Terry, and how much I love and appreciate her.  We were married for thirty-two of the forty years that I served as pastor of a congregation.  She was always so supportive of and involved in my ministry.  She is a model of Christian faith and service.  Even now, in retirement, she continues to be involved in ministry.  She has a tremendously giving heart.  Christmas is a time to stop and think about how much our families and friends mean to us, what it was about our marriage partner that first attracted us to him or her, and what it is that we most love and appreciate about them.

2. The mystery of the birth of her child

And then a second thing that Mary must have kept and pondered in her heart was the mystery of the birth of her child.  Somebody once said, How could there possibly be an atheist in a maternity ward?  How could any mother ever hold her newborn infant in her arms for the first time and not feel that something sacred has just happened?

I often wonder if whoever turned Mary and Joseph away from the inn that night would have responded differently if he or she had known who they were.  Or, even more importantly, if he or she had known who was about to be born.  But it did not happen that way.  The Son of God was born in a cave. 

And so during this Christmas season may we ponder the miracle of birth.  The miracle of Jesus’ birth, the miracle of our birth, and the miracle of our rebirth.  Let us wonder at and glory in the Good News that the God of all creation values each and every one of us as His own dear, beloved child.  We are all somebody of great importance to Him.

3. The strangeness and unexpectedness of the whole thing

And then a third thing that Mary must have kept and pondered in her heart was the strangeness and unexpectedness of the whole thing. 

Except for some shepherds, there is no indication that anyone in Bethlehem knew what was happening that night.  No suggestion that anyone in Jerusalem, only a few miles away, took any notice of the event.  Sure, sometime later, there were a few astrologers from the East who saw an unusually bright star and then followed that star until it came to rest over the house where the young child lay.  Except for some shepherds, for the rest of the world, it was a night like all other nights. 

For Mary it might all have been a blur.  The visit from the angel nine months before.  The joy of her cousin Elizabeth, when she recognized that Mary would bear the Messiah.  The cruel, uncaring political events that had forced her and Joseph to go to Bethlehem – and at the most inconvenient of times.  What was she – a young peasant girl – probably only about thirteen or fourteen years of age – to make of all of this?

As the smell of the straw, the sounds of the animals, and the crudeness of the manger bed filled her senses, Mary must have been wondering about the meaning of it all.  Could the King of kings really be born in a cave?

But doesn’t God often work in that way – in the most unexpected of ways?  When has God come into your life and/or worked in and through your life when you least expected it and in ways that you never would have imagined?

4.  The presence of God

And then, fourth, on this most Holy of Nights, Mary must have been most deeply conscious of the presence of God.  For here was God’s own, dear Son lying before her.

How do you think Mary felt as she gazed upon her new-born Child?  Like at no other time in her life, God must have felt very, very real and very, very close to her. 

When has been the time in your life when God felt the most real and the most near to you?  My hope and prayer for you is that God will feel very real, very near, and very close to you during this Christmas season.  In the joy and love of family life.  In the warmth and beauty of Christmas carols.  In worship and fellowship with other believers.

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  My hope and prayer for you is that during this Christmas season you will experience many things that you will treasure, keep, and ponder in your heart.  Things like the love and loyalty of those closest to you.  The magic and mystery and miracle of human life.  The way in which God sometimes works in ways we would never expect.  And the presence of God.  All these things are more than enough to fill our hearts to overflowing this Christmas season with love and joy and peace and hope and goodwill.

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VIDEO BOOK REVIEW – “A PLACE FOR TRUTH” – EDITED BY DALLAS WILLARD

Lutheran CORE continues to provide monthly video reviews of books of interest and importance.  Many thanks to ELCA Pastor Kevin Haug for giving us a review of a book edited by Dallas Willard, A Place for Truth: Leading Thinkers Explore Life’s Hardest Questions.  According to Pastor Haug, this is a book that encourages some really deep thinking.  Its primary audience would be Christians who are dealing with some of the really big questions in life, such as why are we here, does God exist, and what is the role and purpose of suffering.  It would also be of interest to non-believers who would be curious about a Christianity which takes the authority of the Bible seriously while also taking science, reason, and logic seriously.

The book is a series of fifteen lectures compiled by Dallas Willard.  These lectures were delivered as part of the Veritas Forum, a movement which seeks for truth and seeks to apply truth to a university setting.  Lectures cover such topics as truth in relation to post-modernism, an examination of the exclusive claims to truth of Christianity, human DNA as evidence for a creator, and a psychological study of why some people may be atheists.   

Pastor Haug commented regarding the book, “I found it to be very intellectually stimulating and satisfying.  If you have a high regard for the authority of Scripture and a high regard for reason, logic, and science, if that is you, this book is for you.” 

This review, as well as eleven others, have been posted on our YouTube channel.  A link to the channel can be found here.

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

dennisdnelsonaz@yahoo.com

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do” (1 Timothy 3:1).

There is honor for the one who is called to oversee a fellowship.  It is fine work, but it is difficult work, for the overseer is not the one served, but the servant of all.  Called to be a vicar of Christ in place, look at the mystery. It is true of all things in faith: look at the mystery.  God appoints and then His will is revealed.  Live into the life to which You have been called in faith and honor those whom God chooses for His servants.

Lord, there is much mystery in life and I often just ignore these things and go on as if nothing is different.  Let me not be this way.  Help me to honor who should be honored.  Help me to be guided by Your goodness and grace to see those mysterious things that You are constantly doing.  Teach me how to honor those whom You choose and do my part in this world according to Your will.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me to take the place You have for me.  Lead me to honor those whom You have chosen.  In and through all things, teach me to rejoice and honor all those in authority knowing that Your hand is upon all things.  In You and for those who love You, it will all work to good.  Help me to accept that even if I do not fully understand.  Amen.

“But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint” (1 Timothy 2:15).

Are we all not preserved when we are whom the Lord has made us to be?  We live in an age which tries to tell us that we can be what we want to be, but We are only whom we are.  Live the life the Lord has given you and do not seek to do what you cannot.  Live fully, yes, but listen to the Lord and not to the world.  Be guided by the One who made you and not those who pretend that they made themselves.

Lord, help me to see through all of the nonsense of this world.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You alone is all hope.  You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Teach me more about who You have made me to be and help me to live with who I am.  Help me sift through all of the contradictory things that are floating in my mind that confuse and distort.

In You alone Christ Jesus do I find who I truly am.  Guide me in the way of salvation in order that I would now and forever live the life which You have given me.  You know whom You have made me to be and You alone know what I shall be.  Meanwhile, help me to conform my life to You and grow in the grace and mercy that You have given me.  Through You I can and do all things, have life, and the fulness of my being.  Amen.

“For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.  And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Timothy 2:13-14).

Perhaps the most direct way to deal with these words is to question how much our culture hates them.  This is not to reintroduce the gross inequities sinners have created because of them, but to look with sadness at how the simple truth of the difference that God created in the sexes are ignored.  We are God’s creation and He has made us as He has made us.  We are whom we are.

Lord, help me to see where I listen to the world and where I ignore what Your Word says.  Help me to always look at every other person as one created in Your image.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You and You alone is all hope.  Keep my eyes upon You and my ears listening to what You say.  Guide me, O Lord, always in the way of truth so that I may abide in You and You in me.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way into all truth.  You have reasons as to why these things are the way they are.  Help me to look to You and not to the world to guide me in the way of truth.  In and through all things, lead me always Lord in the way of everlasting life.  May I be close to You now and forever and live according to Your Word not only outwardly, but inwardly as well.  Amen.

Christmas 2 OR Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus, Transferred: January 2, 2022 

Christmas 2

1 Kings 3:4-15: (God grants Solomon’s request for wisdom)

                RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 31:7-14: (God will ransom his people, lead them like a shepherd)

Psalm 119:97-104: (You have made me wiser than my enemies because I meditate on your law)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 147: 12-20: Praise for God feeding, protecting, blessing his people)

Ephesians 1: 3-14: (God makes us holy, blameless in Christ, adopts us as children)

Luke 2:40-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)

                RCL/ELW: John 1:1-18: In the beginning was the Word, full of grace and truth!

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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for Jesus. He shares our life, and shares your life with us. He grew in wisdom and understanding, and gives us the Holy Spirit so we can, too. He takes our sin, and gives us his pure holy grace and love. He is your unfailing Light in the darkest days and places we endure. Thank you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son adorned the earthly Temple with his presence as a child. He is your Holy of Holies in our midst. Make your Church a Temple fit for his habitation. Grant that it may adorn his dear presence with faithful words, heartfelt worship, and deeds of love and mercy. May it draw all people to Jesus’ feet, there to learn from him the Good News of our salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted servants your imperishable inheritance of grace, faithfulness, and endurance.  Make us generous in aiding, defending, and praying for them. Turn the hearts of their adversaries away from sin and hatred, and toward you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation, so that people gladly come here to encounter you in Word and Sacrament, in fellowship, learning, and service. Make us wise in the ways of charity and faithfulness, so that all may find your precepts to be sweeter than honey.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We pray your favor upon this new year; upon our hopes for a better future; and upon all who find no release from the sorrows and cares of the previous years. Give us the wisdom and strength to seek your will for our common good. Draw us toward that eternal New Year that you alone shall bring.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead your people according to your precepts. Give that wisdom to all of our earthly rulers. Fill them with such love for justice, mercy, wisdom, and integrity, that all people may live free from the consequences of malice, stupidity, and calamity. Crown not just this new year, but all of our years, with the blessings of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

These are perilous times, dear Lord! Guide, strengthen and protect our military and first responders. May they accomplish all that is in accordance with your will. Return them swiftly to their loved ones. Bring them healing, hope, and renewed opportunities to serve you in the world.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Be the light and salvation of everyone who calls on you in times of trouble. We plead especially for: {List}. Grant them health, wholeness, and hope. Ease the burdens and bless the labors of all who care for them. Refresh their spirits, and bind us all together in cords of mutual care and compassion.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

The generations rise and fall and pass before you, O Lord. We entrust our beloved dead into your merciful care. Comfort those who grieve, and whose hope falters. Give us eyes to see the suffering around us; lips to pray and encourage; hands to extend in blessing; and hearts to beat with compassion and forgiveness. Grant to all whom you have redeemed through your dear Son, a portion in the imperishable inheritance you have prepared for them. Bring us into your Kingdom, where you reign in unity with your Son and the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

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Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus, Transferred

Numbers 6:22-27: (Aaronic blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you…)

Psalm 8: (How glorious is your Name, O Lord! What is man that you are mindful of him?)

Romans 1:1-7: (Paul, an apostle of Jesus, the Son of God in human flesh)

Luke2:21: (Jesus is named and circumcised)

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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Jesus, name above all names, you humbly submitted to the Law, and yet your name is pure Gospel – “God Saves.” Let us speak your name to the whole world, in love, gratitude, and faith. Let us bear your Name to those who most need your strong saving love.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Equip your Church to faithfully proclaim and teach the meaning of your Name, your life, and your work among us. Let the Church’s every word and deed conform to you alone. Through its witness, lead many hearts to adore your precious Name and bear it faithfully in this world and the next.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Bestow the beauty of your Name upon all who suffer on your behalf. By their steadfast faith, endurance, and gentleness, let your Name be glorified before their enemies. Let the wicked turn from their evil ways and turn to you, their only hope and life.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

As this New Year begins, we ask your blessing and guidance for our lives and our world. Grant peace, health, and joy, especially to those whose lives have been shadowed by tragedy. Lead many people to trust in your saving love for them.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Keep this nation under your care, and rule as Savior and Lord over all the peoples of this troubled earth. Grant us your peace, and fill us with goodwill. Help us to treat even our most annoying neighbors with the kindness we desire for ourselves.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Guide, shield, and strengthen all who risk their lives in service of justice, freedom, and peace, here and abroad. Give them cool heads, wise souls, righteous hearts, and courageous bodies as they deal with violence, suspicion, and evil deeds.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Save and heal your people from every evil thing that darkens their lives and troubles their hearts. We particularly lift up the needs of: {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; restore them to communion with all who love them; and grant them your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 O Jesus, we love to sing and say and shout and pray your Name! Let your blessed Name be glorified by all who have fallen asleep in your arms. Give us your Holy Spirit, so that in this life, we may learn to see you more clearly, follow you more nearly, and love you more dearly. According to the promise of your precious Name, bring us, with all whom you have redeemed, into the life of love you share eternally with your Father and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen

THE PRAYERS, St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (Dec. 26, 2010)

2 Chronicles 24:17-22: (Prophet Zechariah stoned, prays that God will avenge)

Psalm 17:1-9, 15: (Cry of innocent man; hide me in the shadow of your wings. I will be vindicated, see your face.)

Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60: (Stephen arrested – and stoned after he testifies)

Matthew 23:34-39: (God sent prophets from A to Z, whom you killed. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretells its fall)

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, your servant Stephen was faithful unto death, and you crowned him with the unfading garland of eternal life. Fill your holy Church with steadfast faith, holy love, and dauntless courage. Let it always bear faithful witness to you. Through that witness, lead many to Jesus and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were born in a world where kings and princes ruled the nations. Grant to all rulers of today’s world the wisdom and integrity to rightly care for the people you have entrusted to them. Give to all people a measure of your peace, which the world cannot give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Stephen preached with boldness and served with diligence. Give to the people of this congregation that same boldness and diligence. Fill us with compassion, joy, and faith as we strive to do your will. Use us to bless those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Though you came as Prince of Peace, this world is still filled with hatred, danger, and violence. Guard and strengthen all who stand in harm’s way in our defense. By their labors, establish peace and order throughout the world. Bring them home safely and soon to their loved ones. Bless those who are wounded with healing and strength. Comfort the families of those who have died in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or loneliness, especially {LIST}. Bless all who care for them. Restore them to full fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you were born that we no more may die. Grant the fullness of your eternal life to all whose earthly life has ended. Grant that we, who still serve you here below, may be led into the bright courts of heaven and to your endless day; and with St. Stephen and all the redeemed, may see you face to face, and worship you in the glory, joy, and majesty you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

“But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet” (1 Timothy 2:12).

If this is from the Lord, then it does not matter whether or not you like it, or agree with it.  If it is from Paul, then you and I may disagree and change how we do things.  The pivotal thing is whether or not it is from God.  Re-read Job, especially chapter thirty-eight and following.  We are not in a position to disagree with the Lord.  What is the way you will go on this?

Lord, there are so many things like this that go against what society is saying, Help me to be discerning so that I may know the difference between what a fellow sojourner believes and what You declare.  Bring me to err on the side of caution in order that I may learn to do whatever is needed whether or not I like it.  In all things, teach me to look to You, the One who created all things.

Lord Jesus, You have taught us by example to look to the Father for all things.  You have taught us that even when it is something difficult, like when You asked if the cup could pass from you, You simply relinquished Your will for the Father’s will.  Help me to learn from these things so that in all things I would look to You and follow where You lead.  Guide me, Lord, now and forever.  Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 26, 2021:

First Sunday After Christmas OR St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

Christmas 1 Lessons and Hymns:

Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15:(Consecrate your firstborn males: I freed you from slavery by killing Egyptian firstborn)

          RCL/ELW: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (The child Samuel ministers at Shiloh)

 Psalm 111: (Great are God’s works; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

 Colossians 3:12-17: (Clothe selves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, forgiveness, love. Let peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and his word dwell in you richly)

 Luke 2:22-40: (In Temple, Simeon and Anna glorify God for Jesus, the fulfillment of his promises)

                RCL/ELW: Luke 2:41-52: (the boy Jesus with the elders in the Temple)

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With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus. Though your eternal Son, he is also our brother – “flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone.” Thank you for allowing him to share with us every stage of growth, life, and death. Thank you for revealing who Jesus is, and why you sent him. Turn our hearts, eyes, and lives toward Christ, our eternal Dayspring and our heart’s delight.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church into the true Temple of Jesus. Let it always reveal him as your light and glory for all people. Enthrone him in the Church as your Word, wisdom, and salvation for the world. Unite your persecuted servants to him, so they may confound their tormentors’ scorn and call them to repentance.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant safe passage to all who travel in this joyous season. Give endurance, patience, and a sense of humor to clerks, cashiers, waitstaff, delivery truck drivers, and everyone else who labors at this hectic time. Thank you for co-workers of different faiths who willingly “cover” for Christians during these holy days. Help us to graciously reciprocate, even before we are asked.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift up before you, dear Lord, the many people and committees of our congregation. Keep our focus on loving you, caring for one another, and sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Our Christmas cards and carols often speak of peace and goodwill. Yet we see anger, suspicion, discord, and hatred all around us. Gracious God, we implore you to touch every life with your peace, forgiveness, and love. Clothe each of us with the festive garments of goodwill, charity, and generosity.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring “tidings of comfort and joy” to everyone burdened by suffering, sin, and sorrow, especially those we name before you: {List}. Gladden the hearts of their loved ones, and give compassion and wisdom to all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Thank you, dear Father, for the salvation you have granted to all who have died trusting in you. Ease the grief of those who mourn in this season of joy. Lead us into the New Year and into your eternal Kingdom, with the light of Christ around us; with his peace ruling our hearts; and with his word dwelling in us richly. Gather us, with everyone whom you have redeemed through the merits of your dear Son, at your festal Table. There, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we shall joyfully praise and worship you, forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

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THE PRAYERS, St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr 

2 Chronicles 24:17-22: (Prophet Zechariah stoned, prays that God will avenge)

 Psalm 17:1-9, 15: (Cry of innocent man; hide me in the shadow of your wings. I will be vindicated, see your face.)

Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51-60: (Stephen arrested – and stoned after he testifies)

 Matthew 23:34-39: (God sent prophets from A to Z, whom you killed. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretells its fall)

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

 Lord Jesus, your servant Stephen was faithful unto death, and you crowned him with the unfading garland of eternal life. Grant us grace to confess our faith in you with the same boldness. Grant us grace, also, to forgive our enemies with the same humility and mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Fill your holy Church with steadfast faith, holy love, and dauntless courage. Let it always bear faithful witness to you. Through that witness, lead many to Jesus and be saved.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

St. Stephen preached with boldness and served with diligence. Give to the people of this congregation that same boldness and diligence. Fill us with compassion, joy, and faith as we strive to do your will. Use us to bless those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You were born in a world where kings and princes ruled the nations. Grant to all rulers of today’s world the wisdom and integrity to rightly care for the people you have entrusted to them. Give to all people a measure of your peace, which the world cannot give.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Though you came as Prince of Peace, this world is still filled with hatred, danger, and violence. Guard and strengthen all who stand in harm’s way in our defense. By their labors, establish peace and order throughout the world. Bring them home safely and soon to their loved ones. Bless those who are wounded with healing and strength. Comfort the families of those who have died in the line of duty.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering, sorrow, or loneliness, especially {LIST}. Bless all who care for them. Restore them to full fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you were born that we no more may die. Grant the fullness of your eternal life to all whose earthly life has ended. Grant that we, who still serve you here below, may be led into the bright courts of heaven and to your endless day; and with St. Stephen and all the redeemed, may see you face to face, and worship you in the glory, joy, and majesty you share with your Father and the Holy Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH: December 24, 2021: Christmas Eve and December 25, Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS EVE:

Isaiah 9:2-7: (The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; for to us a child is born; his name is Wonderful Counsellor…)

 Psalm 96:(The Lord is king; he will judge world with righteousness and the people with his truth)

 Titus 2:11-14: (We wait for the blessed hope, glorious manifestation of our God and Savior: Jesus. He gave himself for us, redeems us, purifies for himself a people zealous for good deeds)

  Luke 2:1-20: (The Nativity of Jesus Christ)

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Isaiah 52:7-10: (How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, brings good news, announces salvation, and who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”)

 Psalm 2: (“You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.)

                 RCL/ELW: Psalm 98 (Sing praise to the Lord, who comes to judge with righteousness!)

 Hebrews 1:1-12: (In many and various ways, God spoke to his people of old by the prophets; but now in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.)

 John 1:1-18: (In the beginning was the Word; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us; we have beheld his glory, full of grace and truth…)

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If you have a good cantor, you may want to try my Deacon’s Prayer, set to “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” Note: Take it at a nice walking pace. I wrote each intercessory phrase so that each syllable is tied to exactly one note. That makes it easy to chant! I’ve tried to indicate, with dashes, the words in the response/refrain, sung by the congregation, that contain syllables sung on multiple notes. You could even as cantor introduce the whole thing by singing the response yourself, before launching into each petition/verse.

In peace, together let us pray unto the Lord most high,

That he might give us heav’nly peace, and save us ere we die.

For peace throughout the world; the church’s health; and unity:

Refrain: O– Lord, God, have mer–cy on us, mercy on us;

O– Jesus Christ, have mer–cy on us.

For this, the holy house of God, we offer up our prayer,

For all who praise and worship him, both here and ev‘rywhere,

That through his Word and Sacraments, his Presence we might share:

Refrain

For bishops, pastors, people, all the servants of God’s Word,

For those who toil and those who sing, their hearts of one accord;

For those who offer gifts and praise, we pray unto the Lord:

Refrain

For public servants, government, that they be just and wise;

For all protectors of our nation and communities;

For peace and justice, health and safety, Father, hear our pleas:

Refrain

For kindly weather, fruitful harvest, peaceful times, we pray;

Deliverance from evil, wrath, and danger ev’ry day;

For this, and for your sure defense and comfort, Lord, we pray:

Refrain

In gratitude for saints of God who from their labors rest;

In fellowship with them, let us commend our lives to Christ,

Forever worship him, his Father, and the Spirit Blest:

Alleluia, alle—lu–ia, alleluia!

Allelu–ia, O God– most— high!

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OR

With joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus, let us draw near to our heavenly Father in prayer, asking his mercy for the Church, the world, and all who need his loving-kindness.

A brief silence

Dear Father, thank you for giving us your Son. In Him we are bold to call you Abba, Father! Thank you for being God-with-us. Thank you for fleshing out your love, forgiveness, and peace, in a way we can approach, touch, and believe in our trembling and death-shadowed hearts. Thank you for bringing us the light of eternity in this Babe of Bethlehem, Mary’s boy, your Son, and our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless your Church throughout the world. Make it a place where all may hear the angel’s song and hasten to adore Jesus, their Lord and Savior. Shelter your persecuted Church in your arms, so they may gather to worship in peace and rise to serve you in joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our guests and visitors, especially those whose faith wavers and whose hearts are heavy. Give them a glimpse of the joys you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless this congregation – its people and programs, its worship and service. Grace all we do with your strong saving love. Help us to freely share Jesus, today and always, with those who do not know him and with all who need him most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless our country, this world, and all its people and creatures, with peace and good will; with health and safety; with kindness and justice; with food for body and soul; and with love for you and one another.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless everyone for whom this season of joy is dimmed by sorrow, pain, loneliness, and everything else that is inflicted by evil’s power working through human hands or natural disaster. Come with healing in your wings; with tidings of great joy; and with light and life for all.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Bless all who mourn with the certainty that you have opened heaven’s doors to all who have died trusting in your promises. Bless us each day of our earthly pilgrimage with peace and mercy, reconciliation and joy. Add lead us, at length, we pray, to your bright courts of heaven, and to your endless day.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you for hearing our prayers, dear Lord. We entrust them, and our lives, into your merciful care. Amen.

“A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness” (1 Timothy 2:11).

Is Paul speaking of a specific situation, or in general?  The church has taken this line and held fast to this rule.  What is important is for you and me, who are not in a position to argue the case, to look and see why the Lord would have a certain thing in this place.  Especially in these days where people are ‘choosing’ their identity, is there something here that is useful for us to understand about God’s creation?

Lord, You have made things as they are.  You set everything in its place and have created the order of things.  It’s a funny thing, but people like to think they are the exception and do not need to follow the rules.  Help me to see through this common response to the constraints on life so that I may be one who lives by wisdom and not according to the rebellious way of the world.

Lord Jesus, You have come to free us from the insanity of this world.  Generation after generation thinks they can do things their own way.  It always ends in ruin.  Help me to follow You wherever You lead so that I may be guided by the order that You have created and follow as you meant for these things to be followed from the beginning.  Lead me, Lord, in the way You know I need to go, accepting what is right whether I like it or not.  Amen.

“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness” (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Men are men and women are women.  That does not change because we each are what God created us to be.  Listen to the admonition for temperance and prudence.  Women know what entices men.  Do not dress to entice.  Men, train your eyes to have them where they belong.  If you have means, do not boast.  In all things do not point to yourself, but to the One who has redeemed you.

Lord, there are lines of common sense and dignity that the culture in which I lives constantly crosses.  Teach me chastity and modesty that I would neither offend others, nor entice them to break any of the commandments.  Teach me to care for the other as You have cared for me.  Guide me into the deeper understanding of living out the faith that I may become more like You.

Lord Jesus, You created each of us to be whom we are.  Teach me Lord to see through the nonsense of this world and its constant use of sensuality.  Let me not fall for this ancient ploy of the wicked one, but see through it and not go astray.  Guide me Lord in the way of holiness so that I may journey upon the road less traveled.  In all things, guide me to trust in You and the grace You give which is more than sufficient.  Amen.