Wednesday, December 28, 2022

The Holy Innocents

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

 Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday, December 26, 2022

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

 We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Christmas Day

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Saturday, December 24, 2022

From our Household to Yours


Meet “The Carolers” who have come to sing for us from their cellar storage [thank you Tammi]!


These Carolers were made by the people of St. Paul’s of Ventura, CA as a fund raiser years ago. The lantern was made by Bonnie and Mike Callahan who lived in Hermosa Beach, CA to go with them. The fireplace painting was a Christmas card from my niece, Diane.


May you hear their silent but joyful carols [as I do] on this most unusual Christmas Eve when our St. Paul’s remains silent until we meet on Zoom in the morning … and celebrate together the birth of Jesus.


Merry Christmas!

Marilyn+


 

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Saint Thomas the Apostle

 Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Third Sunday of Advent

 Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.


Sunday, December 4, 2022

Second Sunday of Advent

 Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.