Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

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T he C elebration of C hristmas

Doxology (and/or closing song) Praise God fromwhom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Departing to Serve

Benediction O God, Who didst manifest Thy only begotten Son to the Gentiles, and hast commanded Thy Church to preach the Gospel to every creature, bless all Thy servants who are labouring for Thee in distant lands. Have compassion upon the heathen and upon all who know Thee not. Lead them by Thy Holy Spirit to HimWho is the Light of the world, that walking in the light they may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Robert Nelson, A.D. 1655, in Selina Fitzherbert Fox, A Chain of Prayer Across the Ages: Forty Centuries of Prayer from 2000 B.C.-A.D. 1916 . NewYork, NY: E.P. Dutton, 1943. p. 215. Affirmation for the Day Sunday: Jesus of Nazareth is not an ordinary child; his obedience to his Father will take precedence over all other allegiances in life. Monday: Mary and Joseph raised Jesus in the way of the Lord, attending the feasts and celebrations of the Lord. Tuesday: Even as an adolescent, Jesus was committed to being about his Father’s business. Wednesday: On returning home, Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and people. Thursday: Like his parents, no one can fully fathom who the Lord actually is. Friday: Jesus’s obedience to his Father preoccupied his mind even as an adolescent.