A priest and performer considers religion, the arts, and the often thin space between sacred and secular, church and culture, pulpit and pew.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Way of Advent - Stations Seven and Eight

Seventh Station – Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-43)

Our King and Savior now draws near:
Come among us and save us, we pray.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

V.  There will be a fulfillment of God’s word;
R.  And blessed is she who believes.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 240)

Savior of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, make here your home.
Marvel now, both heaven and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.
            - Martin Luther (after Ambrose of Milan)
            The Hymnal 1982, #54  st. 1

Eighth Station – Mary Echoes God’s Promise to Abraham (Luke 1:46-48, 51-55)

Our King and Savior now draws near:
Come among us and save us, we pray.

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

V.  The Mighty One has done great things for me;
R.  And holy is his name.

Let us pray. (Silence)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Book of Common Prayer, 815)

Savior of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, make here your home.
Marvel now, both heaven and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.
  

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