God's manifold blessings be upon you...
We greatly lament the loss of lives in the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Asia during the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas, a time when Christians celebrate Jesus Christ as the reason for the joyful season. As we generously reach out in aid halfway across the world to those stricken by disease and unsanitary living conditions in the aftermath and suffering from the devastation as well as the destruction of their communities, we also must remember to reach out in love to people "across the street" whom we know who are:
- fathers and mothers who are separated from their daughters or sons;
- parents who are mourning the death of their children;
- husbands and wives who have lost their spouses;
- children who have lost their father or mother
- foster parents and parents who are experiencing an empty home this Christmas
- families whose lives are in turmoil;
- people who fear for their lives
- people who feel all alone;
- the grief-stricken;
- people who are suffering from terminal illnesses;
- people who are sick; in pain or suffering from debilitating diseases;
- people who are struggling with substance abuse and their families;
- men and women in prison;
- people who are persecuted;
- people who are fighting injustices;
- women, men and children who are fleeing and recovering from abusive relationships, and are starting their lives anew;
- people who lack confidence;
- people whose lives are in turmoil;
- people who are unaware of, or who are afraid of God's love and assurances.
There are so many people who need just one act of love to change their lives. Friends, acquaintances, strangers... Sometimes all we need to do is extend a hand, offer a smile, or speak a word of encouragement. Take time to listen and be supportive, to be a friend in need, to visit, to share a meal you have prepared or give from your bounty, and to stand up against injustices, persecution and violence.
"Some friends don't help, but a true friend
is closer than your own family." [Proverbs 18:24]
From the Bible, Contemporary English Version
As believers who know and experience the love of God, seek people in need this Christmas season. Reach out and share that love. Be a friend today. Remember, doing one small act of kindness is better than a world full of good intentions.
"Children, you show love for others by truly helping them,
and not merely by talking about it." [1 John 3:18]
Prayers of the faithful:
Give thanks to God for the many mercies that God presently pours into our lives - food, shelter, safety, and friends - blessings that many are deprived of. We thank God also for the spiritual blessings we receive: we have the Word of God, the knowledge of God's saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.
We pray specifically for A & EP and baby B; Cg.R. and son, Cy.R and baby C; foster parent A & E who feel lost since babies JJ [24 months] and BB [18 months] whom they cared for like their own for nearly two years are now spending Christmas with their new adopted families; Mrs. L who lost her husband this Christmas morning; K H S and family; S in prison; G who lost SY in a fiery airplane crash four years ago; ML whose husband is currently in Iraq; all our friends at T.B. and T.O. especially F R, A M and S, everyone at A.H.; A L and family; Rj; and E G.
We pray for all tsunami and earthquake victims, their families, everyone who is working in the disaster relief campaign, and every generous soul.
We pray for men and women who are willing to stand up and be counted.
We pray for people who risk their lives for others and who put into action the love and compassion Jesus had for people.
We pray for people who are "not in a good place" at this time in their lives, and that their time of trial and difficulty will soon pass with the help of God and people who love them.
We pray for our personal intentions.
We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us.
That's why we must give our lives for each other [1 John 3:16]
To play "Sheep May Safely Graze" attributed to J.S.Bach 1685-1750, click on MUSIC
Christmas Scripture Readings: December 29, 2004 to January 7, 2005
December 29, 2004 |
1 John 2: 1-28 |
"Don't love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you cannot love the Father. Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our selfish desires and our desire to have everything we see. None of this comes from the Father. The world and the desires it causes are disappearing. But if we obey God, we will live forever." [1 John 2:15-17]
December 30, 2004 |
Psalm 96 and 95; |
December 31, 2004 |
John 1:1-18, 19-28 |
"The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth." [John 1:17]
January 1, 2005 |
Matthew 25:31-46; |
"Sing a new song unto the Lord! Worship the Lord with thankfulness."
January 2, 2005 |
1 John 3:1-10, 11-24 |
"Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it." [1 John 3:18]
January 3, 2005 |
John 1:29-42, 43-50 | |
January 4, 2005 |
1 John 4:1-19 |
"God is love… Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other." [1 John 4:10]
January 5, 2005 |
Mark 1:1-11 | |
January 6, 2005 |
1 John 5:1-21 | |
January 7, 2005 |
John 2:1-12 |
New Year's Prayer:
"Father, we surrender this past year to you. We give you our failures, our regrets, and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them. Father, make us a new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on toward what lies ahead of us. As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by our successes of the past, challenge us by the power of your Word, and guide. Amen."
