ADVENT 4 St Thomas’ Day

A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel. God is with us.    Matthew 1.23.

O Emmanuel, hope of the nations and their Saviour: come and save us, Lord our God.
Lord Jesus, come soon.

Heavenly Father, who choose the Virgin Mary, full of grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour, now fill us with your grace, that we in all things may embrace your will and with her rejoice in your salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

St. Thomas’ Day.

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.
John 20.29

Almighty and everlasting God, who strengthened your Apostle Thomas with faith in the resurrection of your Son. We thank you for the immense work of St Thomas (MAR THOMA) here in Iraq. Strengthen us when we doubt, and make us faithful disciples of Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed various orders of ministers in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all who are called to any office or administration in the same; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee to the glory of thy great Name, and to the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE WORLD:
Pray for peace in the world. Pray for children especially all those who were with us on Friday and all the Children at St George’s Church.

Pray for our leaders. Pray for unity in the Church and amongst the nations. Pray for all people.

And in a moment of silence or out loud we bring to God all in need of our prayers at this time.

O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

May the God of infinite goodness scatter the darkness of sin and brighten your hearts with holiness; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen Amen and Amen.

Christmas Eve -
Day: December 24th - 25th

I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall come to all the people; for to you is born this day a Savior, Christ the Lord. Luke 2. 10 - 11

By the birth in time of the timeless Son of God, Hear us, O Lord, and grant us your peace.

Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance on your one true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth, bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Tags: Advent 4, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Gift, Holy Child, St. Thomas' Day, Thomas, unity