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December 10th marks the anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton, OCSO (1915-1968). His writings on spirituality, justice, non-violence and inter-religious dialogue are foundational for the “New Monasticism” which calls all people of every religious tradition to a communal, simple way of life that is both non-violent and eco-sustainable.
O Holy ONE + open my lips,
~And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Blest is the One who comes in the NAME of our God
~Hosanna in the highest!
ADVENT MORNING HYMN
All may sing or alternate the verses of an Advent Morning Hymn—this one translated anew from the monastic version of Vox Clara. The traditional melody or any familiar Long Meter hymn tune may be used, e.g. On Jordan’s Bank.
A herald’s voice is calling out, rebuking darkness with a shout:
Throw all those nightmares far away, Christ comes with dawn to wake the day!
The lazy mind, the sordid heart, are roused to waken with a start;
Come watch the New Star at its rise; it shines upon the morning skies.
The Lamb is sent from heights above, to show this people how to love;
So let us rise, fling off the night, and join Christ in the ways of light.
Though greed and loneliness appear to have an upper hand this year,
Give us a voice that all may hear the Good News that your Reign is near! Amen.
PSALMODY
Those who wish may sing alternate verses with the cantor.
Antiphon
Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Sion,
thrill with happiness, O Daughter of Jerusalem, Alleluia!
Psalm 148
Alleluia! Praise Adonai!
Sing praise from the heavens above,
Sing praise from the heights of the mountains!
All angels and spirits, sing praise!
Sing praise, O Sun and Moon!
Sing praise, O glittering Stars!
Sing praise, O Galaxies of the Universe!
Sing praise, O Cosmos of Creation!
Praise the Name of the ONE
Whose Word invited you to be,
Establishing the pattern of creation:
Wanting us all to be free.
Let praise resound from the Earth
From oceans and creatures of the sea;
fire and hail, snow and mist,
Stormy winds that hear the Word.
All mountains and hills,
All fruit trees and cedars
Beasts both wild and tame
Reptiles and birds on the wing;
Princes and judges,
Rulers and citizens
All men and women
Elders and children;
Together sing praise to the HOLY
To the ONE whose praise is exalted;
To the NAME beyond all names,
Whose splendor fills heaven and earth.
For LOVE gives strength to the people,
Shares glory with all the faithful;
Welcoming us as companions,
Teaching us how to sing praise.
Glory to the ONE through the WORD
In the BREATH of Love!
As always before, so now and evermore. Amen
Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Sion!
Thrill with happiness, O Daughter of Jerusalem, Alleluia.
Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-11
A voice say, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
…Behold your God! … Adonai will feed this flock like a shepherd, will gather the lambs in arm and carry them, and gently lead those that are with young.
Responsory:
R. This you shall see and be glad at heart: * as a mother comforts her child, so will I myself comfort you. V. You shall be carried in my arms and fondled on my knees. * as a mother comforts her child, so will I myself comfort you.
Canticle of Zachary: Luke 1:68-79.
Antiphon
What shepherd among you, owning a hundred sheep and losing one,
does not abandon the ninety-nine in the desert,
and go after the lost one until it is found?Alleluia.
It is customary to make the sign of the cross at the beginning of the Gospel Canticle.
Blessed + be Adonai, the God of Israel,
Who visits this people to set us free
Raising for us a sign of salvation
In the house and family of David.
God promised throughout past ages
In words of holy prophets
To save us from our enemies,
And from the control of our oppressors.
Adonai favored our ancestors
And remembered the sacred covenant.
The pledge to Abraham and Sarah
Is now renewed for us;
That freed from the grip of our foes
We might worship without fear
And be both just and holy
For the rest of our days.
And you, child, called “prophet of the Most High,”
Will go ahead to prepare the way,
By teaching this people of salvation
Through forgiveness of their sins.
For the loving compassion of the Holy One
As the Rising Sun will shine upon us
To illumine the darkness and dispel death’s shadow
To Guide our feet on the way of peace.
Glory to the ONE through the WORD
In the BREATH of Love!
As always before, so now and evermore. Amen
What shepherd among you, owning a hundred sheep and losing one,
does not abandon the ninety-nine in the desert,
and go after the lost one until it is found? Alleluia!
Intercessory Prayer
Let us pray to the Christ, the joy of all who wait for his coming:
~Come Lord Jesus
As God’s eternal Word, You existed before the ages of ages:
~Come and save us in the present age.
You made the world and all it contains:
~ Come and save the work of your hands.
You assumed our humanity, with all its mortality:
~Come and save us from the bonds of the grave.
You came forth from the freshness of the Virgin Mary
~Come and give fresh life to a world in decay.
You taught us to pray:
Our Father …
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Stir up our hearts, O God, and by the coming of Jesus Christ, free us from the fear that leads to arrogance, hoarding and war; and bring us all together into your beloved community where you live and reign in the glory and power of Love, now and forever. Amen.
May the peace of the Holy ONE which surpasses all understanding + guard our hearts and our minds in Jesus-our Emmanuel.
Let us bless the world with peace. ~And give thanks to God.