Author: revtiff

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph went on a long journey from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. Luke 2: 1-5

Listen:

Pray

Pray for people who are forced to be away from home or who have no home to go to this Christmas.

Lord, for all those who are homeless, we ask that you may provide help and care for them. Give your Church compassion and help us not to just pass by. Lord, show us what we can do practically this year that would lift up those who are struggling. Lord, we pray for those agencies that work with the homeless, may they receive the resources and wisdom they need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(https://www.eauk.org/church/resources/daily-advent-prayers.cfm)

Chat

Have a chat with someone: Which is your favourite animal in the nativity?

Do

Let someone in front of you in the queue- make their journey shorter!

“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.”
– St. Nicholas of Myra

Listen

Pray

Pray for people who are in poverty.

Almighty Father, lover of souls,
who chose your servant Nicholas
   to be a bishop in the Church,
that he might give freely
   out of the treasures of your grace;
make your people mindful
   of the needs of others,
and as they have themselves received,
so teach them also to give;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Chat

Have a chat with someone: What do you hope Father Christmas will bring you this Christmas?

Do

Give something Christmassy for the Ross community larder. There are collection points at all the major supermarkets and in St. Mary’s church.

In the bleak midwinter is a favourite Christmas carol and it ends ‘What can I give him? Give my heart.’

Listen:

Watch:

Pray

Pray for people who may feel lonely this Christmas.

What shall we offer you, O Christ, Who for our sakes appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by you offers you thanks. The angels off you a hymn; the heavens, a star; The Magi, gifts; The shepherds, their wonder; The earth, a cave; And from our human race we offered you a Virgin Mother. God before all ages, have mercy upon us.- from the Festal Menaion of the Russian Orthodox Church – The Book of a Thousand Prayers compiled by Angela Ashwin

Chat

Have a chat with someone: What’s the best gift you could receive this Christmas?

Do

Make something you can give this Christmas that doesn’t cost any money.

The angel said: “Do not be afraid Joseph to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived from the Holy Spirit.”

Watch:

Pray

Thank God for your own dad, stepdad, or father-like figure in your life.

O God, we pray for our family life, that we all may grow together in awareness of your love, that our lives together may reflect your brightness and your goodness. Amen
Worship in an Indian Context, The Book of a Thousand Prayers compiled by Angela Ashwi

Chat

Have a chat with someone: What’s the meaning of Christmas for you?

Do

Is there a dad you know who could do with your help or encouragement this week?

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Listen:

Watch:

Pray

God our Father, you spoke to the prophets of old
of a Saviour who would bring peace.
You helped them to spread the joyful message of his coming kingdom.
Help us, as we prepare to celebrate his birth,
to share with those around us the good news of your power and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who is coming into the world. Amen.

Chat

Have a chat with someone: What little things add sparkle to your Christmas?

Do

Add a little sparkle to your Christmas preparations with Christingle at home or in church this year. Join us on Sunday 13 December at Walford Church at 11.00am or Ross Church at 4.00pm. So we can all stay safe, please book your free ticket at http://www.rossparishes.uk/christmas.

Good King Wenceslas went out through the heavy snow with his page to take a box of food to a poor labourer in the bitterly cold winter woods in the tenth century – and we still sing about him today! We can all give the gift of kindness to others in the run up to this Christmas. Who needs your care?

Listen:

Pray

Pray that God will help you to be kind this Christmas season.

Lord, endow us with discernment so that we might recognize the seeds of harshness in our lives. Help us to overcome this harshness with the heart of compassion, seeing then your presence in all human beings. Amen (by Henri Nouwen)

Chat

Have a chat with someone: When has someone been especially kind to you this year?

Do

Bake some Christmas cookies for your neighbour as an act of kindness.

Watch:

Pray

Pray for eyes to see the little joys of Christmas this year, like snow and Christmas decorations and childlike excitement.

Chat

Have a chat with someone: What is a memory you have of snow?

Do

Design your own snowman and put him in the window for all to enjoy.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God.             Luke 1: 26-35

Listen

Watch

Pray

Give thanks for Mary’s courage when she found she was expecting a child

Lord, your mother, Mary, and her “yes” to God’s request is central to the Advent mystery. Help us to become her children and yours, so we may be enveloped in the confidence of being truly loved and cared for by you both. Make it possible for us to say our “yes” to your invitations, no matter how reluctantly we may do so. Amen

Chat

Have a chat with someone:

What parts have you played in nativity plays? Which did you enjoy most? Which did you find hardest? Which was most fun?

Do

Do something good this week that you know will take a bit of courage

Listen:

Pray

Pray

Pray that we will make a way for Jesus the prince of peace to come into our lives and world this Christmas

We welcome you, small child of Bethlehem, whose coming we await with quiet attention. Shield us from the shouts, the screams, the empty promises of the season, and encourage us to turn our hopes to your coming. We know that the promise is hidden in the stable in Bethlehem and rooted in the offspring of Jesse; let us look for our salvation there. Amen.

Watch:

Do

Smile as you pass people in the street – even if they can only see the smile in
your eyes