Theme of the Day: Son of God
Christmas holidays mean family time, often with extended family travel and visits. Meals are prepared, gifts are given, memories are made. But the memories might not all be good. Sometimes there are Christmas hurts or even tragedies. We live in a world still affected by sin.
The sinfulness of the world cannot rob us of the peace God intends to bring through his Son. Christ the Savior is born, and through his life, God brings us into the family. He gives us the rights of redeemed sons and daughters, the privileges of inheritance.
Matthew 2:13-18
Jeremiah 31:15-17
1 Peter 4:12-19
Psalm 130F
887 – Oh, What Their Joy
978 – All Hail! You Infant Martyr Flowers
892 – By All Your Saints Still Striving
348 – A Child Is Born in Bethlehem
357 – A Glory Fills the Midnight Sky
Prayer of the Day: We remember today, O Lord, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by order of King Herod. Receive into the arms of your mercy all who lay down their lives for your sake, and prepare us by your grace to be ready at all times to live and die for you; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Alleluia.