Image by Scott Foy
(Note: our Evening Prayer for December 17-23 will begin with the O Antiphons. For more information on these ancient antiphons, see here.)
December 22
O Rex Gentium
“O King of all the nations,
the only joy of every human heart;
O Keystone of the mighty arch of humankind,
come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.”
Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of humankind;
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
And be for us the King of Peace.
Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .
As your reign encompasses the nations, Lord,
come and rule over my thoughts and desires:
be the joy of my heart...
With princely power, mend and make peaceful
the sad divisions in my Church, in my family
and within myself...
With joy we have not yet imagined
fill our hearts and teach us to share your joy
with all we meet and know...
Like a new born baby, bring joy and peace
to these Advent days
and to every season of the new year ahead...
Music for your prayer and reflection...
Our Father...
-ConcordPastor
Unto us a child is born is the best.
ReplyDeleteA child is born for us who was destined for the cross...for our salvation.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the front page Globe story? While restoring Tintoretto's "Nativity" painted in 1580 it was discovered by restorers that the original painting (underneath) was a crucifixion scene. Fascinating!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/23/a_nativity_revelation/
Anne
May God bless and keep you, Concord Pastor. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete