All posts filed under: Christmas

The First Sunday After Christmas

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Collect:Almighty God, who hast given us thine only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, through the same our Lord Jesus, Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen. Feast Days: Tuesday, January 1, The Circumcision of Christ, also called The Holy Name of Jesus The Feast of the Circumcision, or the Holy Name of Jesus dates to at least the sixth century. On this day, we remember three main events or themes: the giving of the name “Jesus” (which means, “Yahweh saves”), Jesus’s keeping of the Law in being circumcised — the mark of Jewish faithfulness instituted by God in His covenant with Abraham, and the first shedding of Jesus’s blood. The readings for the day are from Philippians 2:9-13 (“at the name of Jesus every knee should bow”) and Luke …

Christmas Hymns & Carols (2 per day)

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As promised in the Advent Hymns and Carols post, I’ve also compiled a list of Christmas (and Epiphany) Hymns and Carols. It was much more difficult to decide upon these songs — there are so many favorites. So, as with the Advent post, please consider this a first draft, to be improved upon next year. And, as with the Advent post, please tell me if you find mistakes! My rationale was to pair one well known hymn or carol with another that is lesser known throughout Christmastide. My hope is that this list helps us celebrate all twelve days of Christmas (I’m always so thankful at our church, that we get to keep singing our Christmas music together on the First Sunday of Christmas). And, I decided to also throw in some hymns for Epiphany as well. Lastly, please note the lovely carolers by my dear artist friend Michelle Abernathy (you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.)  Wouldn’t her painting make the best Christmas cards? May the Lord bless our Christmastide festivities with His harmony …