Feast of Saint Stephen

Good King Wenceslas looked out

On the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay round about

Deep and crisp and even

Brightly shone the moon that night

Though the frost was cruel

When a poor man came in sight

Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me

If thou know'st it, telling

Yonder peasant, who is he?

Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence

Underneath the mountain

Right against the forest fence

By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine

Bring me pine logs hither

Thou and I will see him dine

When we bear him thither."

Page and monarch forth they went

Forth they went together

Through the rude wind's wild lament

And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now

And the wind blows stronger

Fails my heart, I know not how,

I can go no longer."

"Mark my footsteps, my good page

Tread thou in them boldly

Thou shalt find the winter's rage

Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod

Where the snow lay dinted

Heat was in the very sod

Which the Saint had printed

Therefore, Christian men, be sure

Wealth or rank possessing

Ye who now will bless the poor

Shall yourselves find blessing

Light the Christ Candle

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. The white candle is the Christ candle. Today we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's 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, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer: Most Holy Lord, today you have given us the Christ Child, born of Mary, he is the hope of the earth and the joy of heaven. As we celebrate this day with carols and prayers, gifts and feasting, may we open our hearts to receive your Son. Come Incarnate Love, and rejuvenate us in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Hymn: Joy to the World

Have a blessed Christmas. Dona nobis pacem.

Light Four Advent Candles

(Sorry for the delay in posting. Our power was out on Sunday and internet has been intermittent because of winter storms.)

Lesson: Light three purple and one pink candle. This is the Angel's candle or the candle of hope. As we light this candle we anticipate Christ's second advent and focus on his salvation.

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. Amen.

Hymn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Light Three Advent Candles

Lesson: Light three purple candles or two purple candles and one pink candle, depending on your tradition. This is the Shepherd's candle; it reminds us that we, like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and tell the good news of Jesus' advent to others.

Scripture: Luke 2: 8-12

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 you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Prayer: Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. We who have sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Jesus Christ, our salvation. Amen

Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful

Twelve Days of Christmas

Light Two Advent Candles

Lesson: On this second Sunday of Advent we light two purple candles. This second candle is the Bethlehem candle; it points to the wondrous mystery of the incarnation. That is, of Christ becoming a man in Bethlehem.

Scripture: Luke 2:4-7

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. 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 placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem

The Advent Conspiracy

Open a Door on an Advent Calendar

Follow this link to open a door on an Advent Calendar.
http://fullhomelydivinity.org/articles/Advent%20Calendar/advent%20calendar.htm

Listen to an Advent Devotion

Here is a link to daily Advent devotions by Pastor Ken Klaus.
http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp

Sing an Advent Hymn

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

(Refrain)Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave.

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of peace.
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