Tuesday, December 8 Advent Holy Eucharist, Week 2 With the Society of St. John the Evangelist Opening Acclamation Officiant Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. People Thanks be to God. The Officiant then prays the Prayer for Light to which the People respond “Amen.�
Candle Lighting Anthem The Brothers then sing the Candle Lighting Anthem as the candles on the altar are lit.
Phos Hilaron Ancient Greek hymn meaning “O Gladsome Light�
Hymnal 31
Collect of the Day 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 forever. Amen.
First Lesson Amos 5:18–24 The Day of the Lord a Dark Day 18
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21 22
23 24
Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Psalm Psalm 50:7–15 Refrain
Gospel Reading Matthew 18:12–14 12 What
do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Sermon Prayers of the People Loving Father, we who are physically distant now groan inwardly as we await the day when we are restored to the company of our neighbors and brought to the fullness of your presence in the Eucharistic feast. Comfort us in our longing to be near each other, assure us of your indwelling presence, and hasten the day when we will abide with you and all our beloved siblings in that kingdom where there is neither sorrow nor crying but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Confession of Sin and Absolution Presider Let us confess our sins to God. God of all mercy, People
we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
Presider Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
Offertory Hymn
The Great Thanksgiving Holy, holy, holy Lord The Lord’s Prayer Anthem at the Breaking of the Bread Presentation Presider The Gifts of God for the People of God. People Thanks be to God. — or — Presider
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Southern Africa Spiritual Communion In apartheid South Africa many prisoners were denied the sacraments and had to find other ways of taking Spiritual Communion. This found its way into the 1989 Anglican Church of Southern Africa Prayer Book as a help to others who could not receive Jesus, may all that is you flow into me. May your body and blood be my food and drink. May your passion and death be my strength and life. Jesus, with you by my side enough has been given. May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross. Let me not run from the love which you offer but hold me safe from the forces of evil. On each of my dyings shed your light and your love. Keep calling to me until that day comes when, with your saints, I may praise you for ever. Amen.
Closing Hymn Hymnal 64
Post Communion Prayer Presider People
Dismissal
Let us pray. Faithful God, we thank you for feeding us with this heavenly banquet. Help us always to hear the prophet’s call, to turn our hearts to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.