look

Angel Playing a Trumpet
detail from the Linaiuoli Triptych, by Fra Angelico

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read

Isaiah 9:2-7: 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.

all readings for the day: Isaiah 9:2-7 • Psalm 96 • Titus 2:11-14 • Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

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pray

God of incarnation, your angel host announces that peace has been born among us, embodied in fragile flesh. With confidence in the power of that miracle, we bring before you our prayers for the church and the world.

Offer prayers up for church, world, community and family, concluding with:

By your grace, transform our prayers from words to deeds, that we may live as a holy people in the dawn of your peace, redeemed from all that divides us, 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 for ever. Amen. (source)

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listen

For Unto Us A Child Is Born
from Handel's Messiah

Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra

(Also, feel free to listen with me to my ever-evolving Advent playlist or a growing Advent Orchestral/Choral playlist on Spotify.)

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read this poem by Christina Rossetti (h/t Malcolm Guite):

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS hath a darkness

Brighter than the blazing noon,

Christmas hath a chillness

Warmer than the heat of June,

Christmas hath a beauty

Lovelier than the world can show:

For Christmas bringeth Jesus,

Brought for us so low.

Earth, strike up your music,

Birds that sing and bells that ring;

Heaven hath answering music

For all Angels soon to sing:

Earth, put on your whitest

Bridal robe of spotless snow:

For Christmas bringeth Jesus,

Brought for us so low.

wait in hope and wonder

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(see all Advent daybook posts from 2014 here)