Stations of the Manger 10. Shepherds Visited by an Angel
Christmas Evening
Nativity Scene: Some shepherds and sheep are added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:8-20)
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were very afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: You shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among all people. And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the
20saying that was spoken to them about this child. And all who heard it wondered at the things that were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.
Reflection: The message of the gift of Christ comes to those who are willing to listen, like the shepherds on the hill. This whole passage could be summed up with a phrase from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.” How often the first words to us from heaven are not to be afraid – do not fear! We read this in scripture many, many times. We know, then, like the shepherds, that God is there, and all will be well.
Prayer: Dear Father, we ask You to make perfect all good things that are begun. We ask You to make perfect Christ’s life in us, that we may come to know, love and serve him in a way You would bless. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
Hymn(s): First Noel; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Response: The Christmas season begins today and extends up to Epiphany. Keep the spirit alive throughout the year by continuing to find the image of Christ inside of each person you meet, including the one you see every morning in the mirror. Look past the ego into their heart. Forgive what their false ego self does and says, for their true self could never say or do those things.
Blessings to all,
Brother
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Stations of the Manger 9
Stations of the Manger 9. The Birth of Christ
Christmas Morning
Nativity Scene: The baby Jesus is added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:6-7)
And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she would give birth.
And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger…
Reflection: How awesome it is that our Creator would come to us in the form of a human to redeem us, to teach us, to awaken us, and to show us how to love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He lived the life of a human to show us that he understands our situation. He understands what we face and what we struggle with. His incarnation was an act of love. His gift to us was fulfilled on the cross and through his teaching, but it began for us on this first Christmas Day.
Prayer: Lord our God, You sent Your Son, the Light of the World, into the darkness that covers the earth and the hearts of its people. May the brightness of his rising shine in
18the church, so that the nations may awaken and walk toward the light, Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn(s): Away in a Manger; Silent Night; Christ is Born
Response: This is a day of praise and thanksgiving! It is important to worship God together as a community and individually in your own heart. Use this day of worship and praise as a springboard to a new beginning for your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter you, help you to shed all that is not of God, and let a new heart be born in you on this Christmas Day.
Perhaps this is a day when you can either begin or renew your commitment to spend more time each morning and evening with your Lord. Build stability in your life by meeting with Him several times each day in prayer. Listen to what He might be telling you in the scriptures that you read, and in the circumstances He places before you each day. Listen to your heart and watch carefully what is happening around you.
Let Him shape your life little by little, so that you can come to know, love and serve Him in your own unique way – the way that He created you to be. Letting your true self come from your heart will bring you the everlasting fruits of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22)
Blessings to all,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Christmas Morning
Nativity Scene: The baby Jesus is added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:6-7)
And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she would give birth.
And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger…
Reflection: How awesome it is that our Creator would come to us in the form of a human to redeem us, to teach us, to awaken us, and to show us how to love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) He lived the life of a human to show us that he understands our situation. He understands what we face and what we struggle with. His incarnation was an act of love. His gift to us was fulfilled on the cross and through his teaching, but it began for us on this first Christmas Day.
Prayer: Lord our God, You sent Your Son, the Light of the World, into the darkness that covers the earth and the hearts of its people. May the brightness of his rising shine in
18the church, so that the nations may awaken and walk toward the light, Jesus, the Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn(s): Away in a Manger; Silent Night; Christ is Born
Response: This is a day of praise and thanksgiving! It is important to worship God together as a community and individually in your own heart. Use this day of worship and praise as a springboard to a new beginning for your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter you, help you to shed all that is not of God, and let a new heart be born in you on this Christmas Day.
Perhaps this is a day when you can either begin or renew your commitment to spend more time each morning and evening with your Lord. Build stability in your life by meeting with Him several times each day in prayer. Listen to what He might be telling you in the scriptures that you read, and in the circumstances He places before you each day. Listen to your heart and watch carefully what is happening around you.
Let Him shape your life little by little, so that you can come to know, love and serve Him in your own unique way – the way that He created you to be. Letting your true self come from your heart will bring you the everlasting fruits of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22)
Blessings to all,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Stations of the Manger 8
Stations of the Manger 8. Encounter at the Inn
Christmas Eve
Nativity Scene: Mary and Joseph are added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:7)
…there was no room for them in the inn.
Reflection: The closest many of us ever come to being homeless or having the smallest inkling of what it would be like to be homeless is not being able to find a room for the evening when on a vacation road trip. For many people, not finding a place to stay happens every day.
The world has sufficient bounty for everyone to have a clean place to sleep and take care of, a place to call their own that is adequate for their needs, a place where they can be with family and enjoy meals together. And yet, our world’s economic system results in some of us living in huge mansions while others live in local shelters or cardboard boxes on the street.
Prayer: Lord, we ask You to bless this place we live in and all who enter. Be our shelter when we are at home, be our companion when we are away, and be our welcome guest wherever we
16may rest for the evening. And at the last, receive us into the dwelling place You have prepared for us in our Father’s house, where we will live forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn(s): O Holy Night
Response: Let us remember those who can call no place their home. Pray for more economic equity among all nations and peoples; pray that those more fortunate find it in their hearts to live more simply that they may share of their bounty and blessings. Consider donating time or money to local emergency shelters or organizations that help people have homes.
Christmas Blessings,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Christmas Eve
Nativity Scene: Mary and Joseph are added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:7)
…there was no room for them in the inn.
Reflection: The closest many of us ever come to being homeless or having the smallest inkling of what it would be like to be homeless is not being able to find a room for the evening when on a vacation road trip. For many people, not finding a place to stay happens every day.
The world has sufficient bounty for everyone to have a clean place to sleep and take care of, a place to call their own that is adequate for their needs, a place where they can be with family and enjoy meals together. And yet, our world’s economic system results in some of us living in huge mansions while others live in local shelters or cardboard boxes on the street.
Prayer: Lord, we ask You to bless this place we live in and all who enter. Be our shelter when we are at home, be our companion when we are away, and be our welcome guest wherever we
16may rest for the evening. And at the last, receive us into the dwelling place You have prepared for us in our Father’s house, where we will live forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn(s): O Holy Night
Response: Let us remember those who can call no place their home. Pray for more economic equity among all nations and peoples; pray that those more fortunate find it in their hearts to live more simply that they may share of their bounty and blessings. Consider donating time or money to local emergency shelters or organizations that help people have homes.
Christmas Blessings,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Stations of the Manger 7
Stations of the Manger 7. Travel to Bethlehem
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: A donkey can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:1-5)
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.
Reflection: Bethlehem means “House of bread” or “Place of food.” Let us remember that the bread of life that we need so much was provided for us in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to give the world the spiritual food we crave.
Prayer: Blessed are You, Father, who gave us our daily bread in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Blessed is He who continually feeds us with the word of life. Blessed is the Holy Spirit, who brings us together at Christ’s table of love. Blessed be God now and forever. Amen.
Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Response: Let us pray for those who travel during this season. May their travels be safe and that they find their loved ones well upon arriving. Let us also remember God’s animals and how they serve our needs, providing food, clothing and company as they did for Mary and Joseph. Let us treat all creatures with care and respect. Consider a donation to your local animal shelter to support their work.
Blessings to all,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: A donkey can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 2:1-5)
Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.
Reflection: Bethlehem means “House of bread” or “Place of food.” Let us remember that the bread of life that we need so much was provided for us in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to give the world the spiritual food we crave.
Prayer: Blessed are You, Father, who gave us our daily bread in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Blessed is He who continually feeds us with the word of life. Blessed is the Holy Spirit, who brings us together at Christ’s table of love. Blessed be God now and forever. Amen.
Hymn: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Response: Let us pray for those who travel during this season. May their travels be safe and that they find their loved ones well upon arriving. Let us also remember God’s animals and how they serve our needs, providing food, clothing and company as they did for Mary and Joseph. Let us treat all creatures with care and respect. Consider a donation to your local animal shelter to support their work.
Blessings to all,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Stations of the Manger 6
Stations of the Manger 6. The Visitation
Wednesday after the 3rd Sunday
Nativity Scene: Add a lone woman to the scene, representing Elizabeth.
Scripture: (Luke 1:39-55)
And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfillment of the things that have been spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
12For he has looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is unto generations and generations on those who love him. He has showed strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted those of low degree. The hungry he has filled with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel his servant, that he might remember mercy (as he spoke unto our fathers) toward Abraham and his seed forever.”
Reflection: The bonds of family are so important. The coming of Jesus into the world emphasizes a much larger family; all who choose to become children of God are brothers and sisters. Let us love each other!
Prayer: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we turn, lost children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and hopes in this valley of life. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Hymn(s): Mary, Did You Know?; What Child is This?
Response: Visit some friends or relatives you may not have seen for a while. Visit someone in a hospital or who is homebound. Bring them a blessing, a smile, a kiss, a compliment, a flower.
Wednesday after the 3rd Sunday
Nativity Scene: Add a lone woman to the scene, representing Elizabeth.
Scripture: (Luke 1:39-55)
And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zacharias and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfillment of the things that have been spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
12For he has looked upon the low estate of his handmaid: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is unto generations and generations on those who love him. He has showed strength with his arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted those of low degree. The hungry he has filled with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel his servant, that he might remember mercy (as he spoke unto our fathers) toward Abraham and his seed forever.”
Reflection: The bonds of family are so important. The coming of Jesus into the world emphasizes a much larger family; all who choose to become children of God are brothers and sisters. Let us love each other!
Prayer: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we turn, lost children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and hopes in this valley of life. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Hymn(s): Mary, Did You Know?; What Child is This?
Response: Visit some friends or relatives you may not have seen for a while. Visit someone in a hospital or who is homebound. Bring them a blessing, a smile, a kiss, a compliment, a flower.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Stations of the Manger 5
Stations of the Manger 5. The Angel Visits Joseph
Third Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: Another angel can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Matt. 1:18-25)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to divorce her privately. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and you shall call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which is, being interpreted, God is with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name Jesus.
Reflection: On the prompting of an angel, Joseph accepted Mary even though she would have been rejected by society for her “condition.” How often do we impose society’s standards on who is “acceptable” and who is not? Let us all try to look beyond someone’s “condition” and see Christ’s goodness in his or her heart. Let us begin healing our ills by accepting the diversity and variety we find in the people around us.
Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Hymn(s): Breath of Heaven
Response: Examine your heart and see what unfair prejudices, attachments or biases still cling there. See them for what they really are and for how much hurt they can cause you and others. When you bring them into the Light, they will begin to shrink away. Know that every person, regardless of how they appear on the outside or however they behave, is actually a child of God.
Blessings,
Brother D-J
Third Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: Another angel can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Matt. 1:18-25)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to divorce her privately. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and you shall call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which is, being interpreted, God is with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name Jesus.
Reflection: On the prompting of an angel, Joseph accepted Mary even though she would have been rejected by society for her “condition.” How often do we impose society’s standards on who is “acceptable” and who is not? Let us all try to look beyond someone’s “condition” and see Christ’s goodness in his or her heart. Let us begin healing our ills by accepting the diversity and variety we find in the people around us.
Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Hymn(s): Breath of Heaven
Response: Examine your heart and see what unfair prejudices, attachments or biases still cling there. See them for what they really are and for how much hurt they can cause you and others. When you bring them into the Light, they will begin to shrink away. Know that every person, regardless of how they appear on the outside or however they behave, is actually a child of God.
Blessings,
Brother D-J
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Stations of the Manger 4
Stations of the Manger 4. The Annunciation
Wednesday after the 2nd Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: The angel Gabriel can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 1:26-38)
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
8to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
And behold, Elisabeth your kinswoman, she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that was called barren. For no word from God shall be void of power. And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
Reflection: Mary received the most wonderful gift in the world, only so that she could share it with the world. She received the gift humbly and gracefully. She then passed it on to us in the most loving manner.
Prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us children now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hymn(s): Ave Maria
Response: Consider giving of your time or treasures to help others enjoy a fulfilling Christmas time, too. Donate clothing, food or money to organizations that can identify those truly in need. As things come your way as gifts, whether from God or from others, receive them gratefully.
Blessings,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Wednesday after the 2nd Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: The angel Gabriel can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Luke 1:26-38)
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
8to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her, and said, Hail, you that are highly favored, the Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
And behold, Elisabeth your kinswoman, she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that was called barren. For no word from God shall be void of power. And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.
Reflection: Mary received the most wonderful gift in the world, only so that she could share it with the world. She received the gift humbly and gracefully. She then passed it on to us in the most loving manner.
Prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us children now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Hymn(s): Ave Maria
Response: Consider giving of your time or treasures to help others enjoy a fulfilling Christmas time, too. Donate clothing, food or money to organizations that can identify those truly in need. As things come your way as gifts, whether from God or from others, receive them gratefully.
Blessings,
Br. Daniel-Joseph
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stations of the Manger 3
Stations of the Manger 3. The Lineage of Christ
Second Sunday in Advent.
Nativity Scene: A few people representing the lineage of Christ can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Matt. 1:1-17)
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram; and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Uriah;
6and Solomon begat Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat Abijah; and Abijah begat Asa; and Asa begat Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Uzziah; and Uzziah begat Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz; and Ahaz begat Hezekiah; and Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and Manasseh begat Amon; and Amon begat Josiah; and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel; and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations.
Reflection: Remember our ancestors and those who have passed from this life. They have given us much for us so that we have what we have today. Pray that their souls rest in peace and continue in the service of God.
Prayer: May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. In your Name we pray, Amen.
Hymn(s): Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Response: Look at family photo albums and remember the blessings of those who came before us. Thank the Lord for those who have helped us get closer to Jesus.
Second Sunday in Advent.
Nativity Scene: A few people representing the lineage of Christ can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Matt. 1:1-17)
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren; and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram; and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Boaz of Rahab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king. And David begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Uriah;
6and Solomon begat Rehoboam; and Rehoboam begat Abijah; and Abijah begat Asa; and Asa begat Jehoshaphat; and Jehoshaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Uzziah; and Uzziah begat Jotham; and Jotham begat Ahaz; and Ahaz begat Hezekiah; and Hezekiah begat Manasseh; and Manasseh begat Amon; and Amon begat Josiah; and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel; and Zerubbabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations.
Reflection: Remember our ancestors and those who have passed from this life. They have given us much for us so that we have what we have today. Pray that their souls rest in peace and continue in the service of God.
Prayer: May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. In your Name we pray, Amen.
Hymn(s): Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Response: Look at family photo albums and remember the blessings of those who came before us. Thank the Lord for those who have helped us get closer to Jesus.
Stations of the Manger 2
Stations of the Manger 2. Prophecy of the Coming of the Lord
Wednesday after the 1st Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: A lone prophet figure can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Isaiah 7:14)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a young maiden shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.
(Luke 1:68-79. Canticle of Zechariah)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets of old he promised salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our lives. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Reflection: God’s plan for you and the world spans enormous amounts of time. If we listen closely, as the prophets of old did, we can sense God’s presence and that He will fulfill His promises.
“Salvation from our enemies” can also mean full relief from those spiritual things that plague our souls: pride, temptations, envy, discontent, greed, and others.
Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hymn(s): O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Response: Send out Christmas cards this week to friends and relatives you don’t see that much. Include messages that contain the specific theme of the coming of Christ. The time of Advent is a time of preparation. Let us prepare!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Wednesday after the 1st Sunday in Advent
Nativity Scene: A lone prophet figure can be added to the scene.
Scripture: (Isaiah 7:14)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a young maiden shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.
(Luke 1:68-79. Canticle of Zechariah)
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his holy prophets of old he promised salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our lives. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
Reflection: God’s plan for you and the world spans enormous amounts of time. If we listen closely, as the prophets of old did, we can sense God’s presence and that He will fulfill His promises.
“Salvation from our enemies” can also mean full relief from those spiritual things that plague our souls: pride, temptations, envy, discontent, greed, and others.
Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Hymn(s): O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Response: Send out Christmas cards this week to friends and relatives you don’t see that much. Include messages that contain the specific theme of the coming of Christ. The time of Advent is a time of preparation. Let us prepare!
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
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