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OPENING SONG: 'We Three Kings'
0 God, who by the leading of a star revealed your Son to the nations of the world; lead us to a clearer vision of your presence, and the nations into the ways of unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LITANY OF PRAYER:
As wise men from various nations were called to worship before the Christ child, open our ears to your call, and open our eyes to your glory.
We offer you all that we are, ourselves, our souls, our bodies. We offer you all that we possess, for all things come from you. We offer you our joys and our sorrows.
We pray for all seekers, for all who walk in the darkness and look for the light. We pray for your church, that it may he drawn ever towards you.
THE SEEKERS:
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far into the darkness where even a tiny bit of light seemed like sunburst in the heart. they pondered the silent music that echoed in their prayer: "Go. Search. Look. Follow. Find." Mt. 2: 1-2 |
adventure wrought with risk,
a time of travel filled with faith.
they went lovingly, eagerly,
into the night of their lives,
trusting they would find the way.
Mt. 2: 3-8Lord God, we pray that the rulers of this world may serve your kingdom, that the kingdoms of the world may become the kingdom of Christ our Lord,
That the resources of the world may he used for the relief of those in need, and to your praise and glory. We remember all who are suffering from tyranny and violence, especially ..............
PAUSE
they paused to inquire, to study,
they went on in faith, patiently,
following with the hearts' eye,
and "the sight of the star
filled them with delight." Mt 2: 9-11
We pray for all who work in our local communities, for a sharing of talents and awareness of needs. We thank you for the gifts you have given to us, and we seek to use them aright. May our homes he places where the Christ abides and is always welcomed. We remember all who have been driven out of their homes by poverty or war.
We pray for all who are in sorrow. pain or distress; we remember especially ..............
PAUSE
a journey not in vain,
a patient search rewarded,
their steady courage in the unknown
led them to their heart's delight.
they found the long-sought One,
waiting to be found,
longing to be discovered,
as they travelled the far stretches
of their long and hidden night.
-Joyce Rupp
We pray for families where children are suffering, where children are ill. We pray for children who suffer from violence, abuse or neglect. We remember all who are struggling for justice and freedom.
Jesus, Light of the world, give us your light and your peace.
We pray for all who have lost children - give hope and strength to all parents who mourn, and bring a new light into their darkness.
Jesus, Light of the world, give us your light and your peace.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION & SHARING
THE PEACE
Arise, shine out, for your light is come. The glory of the Lord is risen upon you. The peace of the Lord he always with you and also with you.
THE BLESSING
Christ be a bright flame before you, a guiding star above you, a kindly shepherd behind you, a supporting strength beneath you; and
May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to all who enjoy God’s favour -Amen.
May you be blest, God our Father! -Amen.
Glory to you forever! -Amen.
Christ, visible in your body, -Amen.
Christ, proclaimed among the nations, -Amen.
To Him be glory forever! -Amen.
Blest be God, our Lord! having spoken in the past to our fathers through the prophets, he speaks to us in our own latest time through his Son born for us of the Virgin Mary. -Amen.
Each Church is Bethlehem
I open the stable door,
I kneel before the infant.
I worship with the shepherds.
I adore the Christ child.
I ponder the Word made flesh.
I absorb the love of God.
I sing Glory with the angels.
I offer my gifts with the Magi.
I have come from lands afar.
I receive the living Lord.
I hold him in my hands.
I go on my way rejoicing.
Glorifying and praising God.