Welcome to Our Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg

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Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine link

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their saviour is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.
Amen

Advent Prayer for Courage and Strength link

Oh, Jesus, what courage it must have taken Mary and Joseph to make that trip to Bethlehem.
She was so near her time of delivering, and she left her family and traveled with Joseph for the census.
With no place to sleep, they both must have felt some fear.

Yet over and again you offered reassurance:
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home.
Do not be afraid, Zechariah.
And to the shepherds, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.

The story of your nativity is filled with comfort and courage,
for them and for us.
Give us the strength we need
and help us to see those around us who are in fear and need our support on this day.
Amen

Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:19-25 (NASB Bible Gateway)

Hope of Relief in God’s Mercy

Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.

Benediction and Celebration:

Isaiah 9:6 (Bible Gateway-KJV)

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Hallelujah!