Christmas 2020

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Prayers and blessings to all.

Daily Prayer

Vindicate me, Lord my God, according to your righteousness; and let not my enemies rejoice over me. Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions. Say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”

Daily Prayer

Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we place our hope in you. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise befits the upright.

Daily Prayer

When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. I acknowledged my sin to you. I have not hidden my transgression. And you forgave the discord of my sin.

Daily Prayer

In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed. Bow down your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my Rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.

Maranatha!

In the Orthodox Church the Nativity Fast, known in the West as Advent, begins on November 15. Modeled after Great Lent, this is a 40-day fast in preparation for Christmas, the feast of our Lord’s birth. But there is another theme to this season as well. We not only prepare to celebrate the feast of Christ’s first coming into the word. We also use this time to reflect on our readiness to meet him at his second coming.

On forgiveness

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew‬ ‭6:14‬)

Evening Prayer

How many times with your own hand have you held out to me your Body and your Blood, and I, though a miserable sinner, have received this Sacrament, and have tasted your love, so ineffable, so heavenly. Glory to you, O God, from age to age!

Morning Prayer

Lord, give rest to the souls of your departed servants, in a place of brightness, refreshment, and repose; where all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away.

Evening Prayer

Remember, my God, the fall of Lucifer, full of pride; keep me safe with the power of your grace. Save me from falling away from you; save me from doubt. Incline my heart to call upon you, present in everything. Glory to You, O God, from age to age!