Advent Daybook, 5: Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants
My Advent daybook for these 24 days of waiting. Join me, won't you? (see previous Advent daybook 2016 posts here)
Denise McNair's Dress (source)
On Sept. 15, 1963, a little over two weeks after the March on Washington four little girls—Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley and Carole Robertson—were killed in an explosion at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Al. The explosives were placed and discharged by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day by Branches (lyrics here)
all readings for this day: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Isaiah 4:2-6; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26
“Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of just rule to the crown prince. May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly. Let the mountains give exuberant witness; shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon— age after age after age. Be rainfall on cut grass, earth-refreshing rain showers. Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.”
prayer for the day:
“Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
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(see all Advent daybook posts from 2015 here)