Christmas Day (2020)
contemplating collects
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the new Birth of Thine Only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free who are held in the old bondage under the yoke of sin; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- . . .
the Nativity of our Lord (2020)
contemplating collects
. . .O God, Who hast made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant, we beseech Thee, that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
why, yes, Mary did know
a lighthearted take on a dreadful song
If you're a big fan of the song, "Mary, did you know?" you may want to just skip this post. It's completely okay. I promise.
And now for something a little lighthearted...
The Christmas song, "Mary, did you know?" emerged in the early 90s and quickly became the bane of the entire Christmas season . . .
Posted in: advent
"Is Christmas a Pagan Rip-off?" (link)
the truth about December 25th
By Kevin DeYoung at The Gospel Coalition:
We’ve heard it so many times that it’s practically part of the Christmas story itself.
The Romans celebrated their seven-day winter festival, Saturnalia, starting on December 17. It was a thoroughly pagan affair full of debauchery and the worship of the god Saturn. To mark the . . .
fourth Sunday in Advent (2020)
contemplating collects
. . .STIR up, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thy power, and come, and with great might succor us, that by the help of Thy grace whatsoever is hindered by our sins may be speedily accomplished, through Thy mercy and satisfaction; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
third Sunday in Advent (2020)
contemplating collects
LORD, we beseech Thee, give ear to our prayers, and lighten the darkness of our hearts, by Thy gracious visitation; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church
And when John had heard in prison about the . . .
second Sunday in Advent (2020)
contemplating collects
STIR up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine Only-Begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
--Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church
"And there . . .
