Christmas 1 Yr C
Word made flesh

John 1:1-18

. . . And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. . . .

sermons4kids: “This week we go back to school and back to the three R’s [Reject, Receive, Reflect], but we need to remember that every day we face the three R’s of what to do with Jesus. I pray that we will make the right choices.”

Scripture: December 30, 2018—Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7; John 1:1-18; Psalm 147 or 147:13-21.

Collect: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reflection: How may I live this day as a child of God who shares in the inheritance of Christ? As Christ shines into the darkness of the world around me, what does the Light of Christ allow me to see?

Sunday School—9 am on Sunday

Eye Candy: New Year’s Celebrations around the world; “John 1:1-18“, word cloud; “Adoration of the children” by von Honthorst.

Ear Worm: “Now greet the swiftly changing year“, a favorite of the editor; “Auld lang syne“, with explanation of words and translation from Scottish [this song is about our connections—to our past and present acquaintances with hope for future ones. As you listen (or sing), say aloud the names, past, present.]; “O God, our help in ages past”, single voice; many voices.

Brain Food: “Christmas Poem” by Pastor Dan; “The whole package“, a reflection by Debra Dean Murphy;

Reflection on Lighting the Christ Candle

God, our loving Father, you sent your Son,

Jesus Christ, into this world to counter

all the forces of evil: sin, suffering and death,

and to overcome evil with the force of good;

hatred with the power of love,

your great love for us in Jesus.

Help us never to curse the darkness,

but to join with you in bringing

Your light into this world,

the light that is your Son,

born of the Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem.

Help us to be instruments of your light

and love by doing one special act of kindness

or by being your special instrument

of reconciliation this New Year.

May the Christ Candle we light symbolize

our desire to bring light into a world of darkness

and hope into a world of despair.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen..

downloaded from https://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/ChristCandleofHopePrayer.htm on 12/27/18.

Movies/Videos: “The Fifth Element” (1997), really quirky film with BIG moral; “Tron Legacy” (1982), an inverse of the Father-Son Christian motif; “Jesus of Montreal“, (1989), inventive, witty, and illuminating work of art.