Blue Christmas with Litany of Healing Liturgy of the Word Rite II December 20, 2020 7:00 p.m.

THE WORD OF GOD

Prelude: Hymn 82 – Of the Father’s Love Begotten Opening Hymn: Hymn 115 – What Child is This The Opening Acclamation Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. A Prayer for the Night The Celebrant says Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.i The Summary of the Law The Celebrant says Hear the teaching of Christ: a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. People Spirit of God, search our hearts.

Blue Christmas 1 Silence. Confession of Sin Deacon Let us confess our sins. Minister and People God of all mercy, 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. The Priest, says 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. Gathering We gather - people of faith and no faith, people of hope and no hope, people of peace and no peace. we gather with the longing to be made whole again if just for this time, here and now we gather with a prayer, however vague and tenuous, that in spite of the absence of virgins and angels, wise men and shepherds, we might still be a witness

Blue Christmas 2 to the birth of all love. we gather as ready as we’ll ever be for this story of faith to unfold.ii The Collect of the Day Celebrant Lord, have mercy upon us. People Christ, have mercy upon us. Celebrant Lord, have mercy upon us. Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. THE LESSONS A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Blue Christmas 3 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (9:2-7) Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God. A Prayer at an Empty Chair Dear God, there’s an empty chair at our table, an ache in our hearts and tears upon our faces... We try to shield one another from our grief but we cannot hide it from you... We pray for those we see no longer whose presence we miss in these homecoming days... Open our eyes and our hearts to the healing, the warmth and the peace of your presence... Assure us that those we miss have a home in your heart as well as in ours and a place at your table forever... Open our hearts to joyful memories of the love we shared with those who have gone before us... Help us tell the stories that bring us close to one another and to the ones we miss so much... Teach us to lean on you and on each other for the strength we need to walk through difficult times... Give us quiet moments with you, with our thoughts, with our memories and our prayers... And in the stillness of the quiet, give us your consolation and your peace... Be with us and hold us in your arms as you hold the ones we miss...

Blue Christmas 4 This is the day you have made, O Lord: help us rejoice and be glad in the peace you’ve promised and share with those who’ve gone before us... Amen.iii Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Misericordias Domini Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing; * from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; * you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens. "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; * I have sworn an oath to David my servant: 'I will establish your line for ever, * and preserve your throne for all generations.'" You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: * "I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; * with my holy oil have I anointed him. My hand will hold him fast * and my arm will make him strong. No enemy shall deceive him, * nor any wicked man bring him down. I will crush his foes before him * and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and love shall be with him, * and he shall be victorious through my Name. I shall make his dominion extend * from the Great Sea to the River. He will say to me, 'You are my Father, * my God, and the rock of my salvation.' A Reading from Titus When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (3:4-7)

Blue Christmas 5 Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God. Advent Prayer silently and gently falling and failing changing and resting seeking you, Lord… we watch we wait we dream we pray… for the earth to renew for our hearts to soften for your grace to cover us for your justice to pour out for time and space to listen for courage to act on the edge of Advent, we sit with you… we pause… we hurt… we repent… we rage… When will it be? Will it ever be? Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.iv Psalm 141:1-3,8ab Domine, clamavi O LORD, I call to you; come to me quickly; * hear my voice when I cry to you. Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, * the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch before my mouth, O LORD, and guard the door of my lips; * let not my heart incline to any evil thing. My eyes are turned to you, Lord GOD; * in you I take refuge.

Blue Christmas 6 A Reading from the Holy Gospel Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon Fr. Daniel The Lighting of Candles and Remembrances At this time, we will spend five minutes in reflection. Those at home are invited to light candles for loved ones departed this year, or for an intention of the heart. You can also hang an ornament on a tree.

Blue Christmas 7 A Prayer for Pets Departed Heavenly Father, Thank You for the Gift, Love, Companionship, and Loyalty of our Pets and entrusting them to our care. Our pets are our favorite Hello and our hardest Goodbye. All good things come from your hand and we thank you for the memories of our pets as they continue to brighten our days. We know our pets are safe in your Loving arms. We pray you bring comfort and healing to those who have lost a valued member of their family this year. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name forever and ever. Amen.v Litany of Healing The Celebrant introduces the Litany with this bidding Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers. The People audibly name those for whom they are interceding. A Person appointed then leads the Litany God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation; We praise you and thank you, O Lord. God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it more abundantly; We praise you and thank you, O Lord. God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence; We praise you and thank you, O Lord. Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being; We praise you and thank you, O Lord. Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured, or disabled, that they may be made whole; Hear us, O Lord of life. Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are lonely, anxious, or despondent, a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence; Hear us, O Lord of life. Mend broken relationships, and restore those in emotional distress to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit; Hear us, O Lord of life. Bless physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the suffering, granting them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience; Hear us, O Lord of life. Grant to the dying peace and a holy death, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved; Hear us, O Lord of life.

Blue Christmas 8 Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world; Hear us, O Lord of life. You are the Lord who does wonders: You have declared your power among the peoples. With you, O Lord, is the well of life: And in your light we see light. Hear us, O Lord of life: Heal us, and make us whole. Let us pray. Silence. The Celebrant concludes the Prayers: Gracious God, we give you thanks for your beloved Jesus Christ, in whom you have shared the beauty and pain of human life. Look with compassion upon all for whom we pray, and strengthen us to be your instruments of healing in the world, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Lord’s Prayer Officiant Lord have mercy. People Christ have mercy. Officiant and People Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven: The hallowing of your name echo through the universe! The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world! Your heavenly will be done by all created beings! Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth. With the bread we need for today, feed us. In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us. In times of temptation and test, strengthen us. From trials too great to endure, spare us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever. Amen.vi

Blue Christmas 9 A Prayer of Abandonment Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures – I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father. The Blessing A new day is dawning! Despite what we see and hear in the world around us, the sunrise is coming. When it comes, it will break through the darkness of our world— darkness caused by violence and death and hunger and despair. And all those who now sit huddled in the shadows will be able to rise and walk with confidence in the light. Amen. Closing Hymn: Hymn 83 – O, Come All Ye Faithful The Dismissal Deacon Go in courage and hope, to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia. Alleluia. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Blue Christmas 10 SERVING TODAY Celebrant Fr. Daniel Johnson, OPA Deacon The Rev. Deacon Margaret Haight Piano/Organ Hannah Massey Cantors Psalm 89 Martha Clark Psalm 141 Doug Reeve Readers Gathering Prayer Linda Rooney Isaiah Lisa Wright Prayer for an Empty Chair Judi O’Neill Titus Penny Knepp, Advent Prayer Deborah Quackenbush

Blue Christmas 11 Online Services Tuesday – Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer (Zoom) 12:30 pm Noonday Prayer (Facebook Live) 5:00 pm Evening Prayer (Zoom) 8:30 pm Compline (Facebook Live) Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 am Centering Prayer (Zoom)

Online Resources Book of Common Prayer https://www.bcponline.org/ Enriching our Worship 1 https://www.churchpublishing.org/siteassets/pdf/enriching-our-worship- 1/enrichingourworship1.pdf Christ Church Website http://www.christchurchspotsy.com/ Episcopal Church Resources https://episcopalchurch.org/resource-library

Blue Christmas 12

i “A Prayer for Night” from The New Zealand Prayerbook – He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa Night Prayer service, used with permission. ii Written by Cheryl Lawrie and posted on her website [hold this space]. http://holdthisspace.org.au/ iii Written by Concord Pastor and posted on A Concord Pastor Comments. http://concordpastor.blogspot.ca/2012/11/praying-10-minutes-day-thanksgiving-2012.html iv Written by Rev. Deborah Vaughn, a hospice chaplain endorsed by the Alliance of Baptists, and Assistant Minister at Twinbrook Baptist Church in Rockville, MD. She blogs at An Unfinished Symphony. This prayer was posted on RevGalBlogPals. v Written by Connie Hockaday, Christ Episcopal Church St. Francis Pet Ministry vi The New Zealand Prayer Book – He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, used with permission.

Blue Christmas 13