May we all have a blessed and thoughtful Advent

Advent is ….. a time of preparing.

May we use these days of Advent wisely, Lord, and so be ready for your coming.

Advent is ….. candles and light.

Shine the light of your love on all who are lonely or depressed, who are ill or mourning loved ones.  Let them feel the warmth of your love, Lord.

Advent is ….. hot mince pies and hospitality.

May we welcome friend and stranger into our homes this Advent, Lord, and give them the royal welcome which we would give you.

Advent is ….. a wreath of holly and ivy, intertwined to represent harmony between men and women.

We pray for peace in the waring nations of the world, Lord, and your peace in our hearts.

Advent is  ….. a time for finding presents.

As we look for presents for our loved ones, Lord, may we give you the present of our hearts.    Amen.

Lights and decorations.

Legend – when St. Boniface was preaching to some villagers, he and his fellow monks put their candles on a fir tree and talked about Christ being the Light of the world.

Dear Lord of Light,

We find the fairy lights. What are they doing hidden away?  They should have been shining for You all the year round. 

We find the little decorations made by the children or passed on through the generations.  Lord of light, please bless our children.  Thank you for those we have loved who now live in our hearts.

Help us to care for your world.  Like the tiny decorations and lights on the Christmas tree our efforts seem so small and yet, joined together WILL make a difference. Lord of Light. Please hear our prayer.  Amen

St. Stephen  Dec 26^th.  A deacon whose duty was to serve and help to distribute the gifts.  He was a Greek --speaking Christian who’s name meant  “crown “ or “ wreath “.  From Acts 6 we have this description;  “ a man full of grace, faith and spiritual power, who did great wonders and signs among the people”.

Dear Lord, God of all, we thank you for St. Stephen, who was stoned to death for your sake.  May we be forgiven as he forgave, when he said ; “ Lord do not hold this sin against them. “  We would have some of Stephen’s grace and faith, so that like him , we could play our part in helping your kingdom to come.   Amen.

From a little fair haired boy, aged seven.

 The Robin.

Gay,

Brightly singing is the robin.

Red breast.

Winter comes and goes.

Robin stays

Singing in the winter gales.

Eggs always orange-brown.

Summer is here – robin sings more gaily.

May we all have a happy and blessed Christmas.