THE FINAL WEEK OF CHRISTMAS DAILY PRAYERS JAN. 4TH - JAN. 8TH 2021 WELCOME BACK! MONDAY, JANUARY 4th

Welcome back staff and students and welcome to 2021!

Do you recall on our final day before the Christmas holidays that we reflected on a common phrase we heard a lot last year? That phrase is, “Things will look a bit different.” Remember, different doesn’t have to be bad, it is just - different. Whether ‘different’ is how you celebrate holidays, how you socialize, or how you learn, try to embrace it. Thank God for your blessings - no matter how small – and seek Him out in times of frustration or struggle. He’s with you always to see you through.

Although our first week back is virtual, it is a special one that we can still learn about and celebrate together.

Did you know that the Christmas season is not yet over? Yes, we have celebrated the birth of our Saviour, and perhaps you have put away your Christmas decorations, but this is the final week of Christmas and it is devoted to the Epiphany. An epiphany is a revelation. It can be an event or action that helps us recognize something more clearly. This week we will look at some epiphanies in Scripture that explain how we will recognize the Jesus.

A reading from the Book of the prophet Isaiah:

“But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. 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." - Isaiah 9: 1a

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

Loving God, you sent your Son, Jesus, to be the light of the world. He is the light that no darkness can extinguish, but are you still in the dark? Have you done your best to find His light in these difficult and 'different' times? Father, we ask that you open our hearts to seek you out and share your light with others. We pray in Jesus’ name; In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

THE FINAL WEEK OF CHRISTMAS TUESDAY, JANUARY 5th

In today’s Gospel, we hear about the revelation of our Lord to shepherds in a field. Angels appear to them and announce Jesus’ birth. It is interesting to note that the angels came to poor and lowly shepherds, not to the wealthy people or the Jewish leaders.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke:

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 brining you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour.” - Luke 2:8-11

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

O God, although the Christmas season ends this week, the Christmas spirit should always be shown in our thoughts, words, and actions towards others. It is the spirit of love and humanity and was brought to light from a humble child in a manger. We pray that we will announce this good news by the way we live our lives. We ask this in Jesus’ name;

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;

THE EPIPHANY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6th

Today we celebrate the Epiphany. We hear about the Magi traveling, most likely from Persia, and following a star. The Magi were known as ‘students of the stars’ and they studied Old Testament prophecies about the birth of Christ. The light from the star guided them to the stable where Jesus was. They had an epiphany. They recognized that the baby Jesus was the true King, and they experienced great joy.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew:

Ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts…” - Matthew 2:9-11

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

Holy God, a feeling of joy seems to be part of recognizing Jesus. When have we recognized Him? Like the Magi, what gifts can we offer Him? Perhaps a bit of time in prayer, or through service to others? May we try this year to offer Christ gifts worthy of God, so that we can show him honour, love and praise. In Jesus’ name we pray;

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;

THE FINAL WEEK OF CHRISTMAS THURSDAY, JANUARY 7th

After the angels told the shepherds about Jesus, the shepherds hurried to tell others about what they had seen, and they honoured God. They experienced a true epiphany or “revelation” when they recognized that the angels were announcing something amazing and that they should not be afraid.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke:

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. - Luke 2:15-16

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

Gracious God, we thank you for Jesus, the greatest revelation of your love and care for us. Let us not be afraid of You and Your love for us. Rather, help us to swallow our pride and work through our fears so that we can grow in understanding and love for You. In Jesus’ name we pray;

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;

THE FINAL WEEK OF CHRISTMAS FRIDAY, JANUARY 8th

In Scripture, epiphanies often happen with the help of angels. Today’s reading ends our Christmas season and describes an epiphany, that Joseph, Jesus’ father, had in a dream with the help of an angel of God. This epiphany saves Jesus’ life so that he could live to prepare us for His Kingdom.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew:

Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for King Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. - Matthew 2:13-15a

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

O God, if we want to always recognize Jesus, to have an ‘epiphany’ of who you are, then we must look for Him in one another. Help us to see Him in our family, friends, and those in need, especially during times of despair or uncertainty. Hope is not lost when we focus on You. We pray in Jesus’ name;

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;

GOD BLESS & HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!