Readings (Click the links to see the readings)

Isaiah 30.19-26 | Ps 147.1-6 | Matthew 9.35-10.8

(Click the links to see the readings)

Moonless darkness
Gerard Manley Hopkins

Moonless darkness stands between.
Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;
Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;
Now beginning, and alway:
Now begin, on Christmas day.

Prayer

Give us, O God, the vision which can see Your love in the world in spite of human failure.
Give us the faith to trust Your goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness.
Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts.
And show us what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of the day of universal peace.
— Frank Borman, Apollo 8 space mission, 1968

Justice, mercy and peace

Medical Aid for Palestinians works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees. For 30 years, MAP has maintained a significant presence in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories, responding to the conflict and the needs arising from prolonged Israeli occupation and life-long displacement in refugee camps.

Praise the Lord! … He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Ps 147.1,4

Coup de foudre cosmique / Cosmic thunderbolt [detail]. Luc Perrot Photographies, 2012.

Psalm 147, Scottish Psalter 1650. Tune: Thanksgiving. Singer: Jason Goghill.