MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS, ADAPTED TO THE PRINCIPAL HOLY SEASONS WHICH THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND COMMEMORATES IN HER YEARLY SERVICES. CHRISTMAS-MORNING. HYMN. Christ is born! Go tell the story; Fill the world with sacred mirth! See, He lies in yonder manger; 'Midst His own, and yet a stranger; Wonder, O ye heavens, at this! See fulfilled prophetic vision,— Hail His birth, and cease to mourn. Hail Immanuel! Child of Promise! God the Saviour, Only Wise! LORD God, Father of mercies, who hast, in the exceeding riches of Thy grace, so loved the world, as to give Thine only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and as at this time to be born of a pure Virgin; help us, on this sacred Anniversary, with true humility and reverence, and with heartfelt gratitude and love, to bless Thy name for this Thine unspeakable gift. Herein is love,-not that we loved Thee, but that Thou hast loved us, and sent Thy Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Shine upon our souls, O Thou Holy Spirit, the Glorifier of Jesus, and discover to us His glory and His grace. Enlighten our understandings, that we may believe that Word which reveals the great mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, which we specially celebrate this day. May we contemplate this matchless event with all those views and affections which its importance demands. May those who observe the day, observe it unto the Lord. May our festive enjoyments be such as become the occasion,innocent, harmless, and holy. May we not profane the season, by reviving those works of the devil which the Son of God was manifested to destroy. Nor may we rest satisfied with the mere remembrance of His advent, as founded in truth, and attended with wonders, but seriously enquire for what end He was born, and for what cause He came into the world. And since Thou hast informed us He came to seek and to save that which was lost, and suffered, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, may we believe the report, not only as a faithful saying, but worthy of all acceptation, and may it be in us as a well of water springing up into everlasting life. May none of us neglect this great salvation through ignorance, worldly-mindedness, presumption, self-righteousness, or despondency. As our Prophet, may we repair to His feet for instruction. May we look to His Sacrifice, and find relief for our burdened consciences. May we acknowledge His authority, and obey His commands. In all our approaches to Thee, may we make mention of His righteousness only, and in His strength may we go forth to all the duties and trials of life. May we never feel miserable, even in a vale of tears, while we think of the consolation of Israel, but always rejoice in Him with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Bless us this morning with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Make us joyful in Thy house of prayer. May we rejoice, with Thy holy Prophet, that "unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, whose name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." May we go in faith with the shepherds to Bethlehem, and return with adoring wonder, praising and glorifying God for this great event. May we, with the choir of angels, tune our harps to the praise of redeeming mercy, and sing "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men.' Reflecting upon His grace in becoming poor, that we through His poverty might be rich, may all selfishness and uncharitableness be banished from our hearts, and may we love one another, and ever delight to go about doing good. May His cause be always dear to us; and may we ardently long for the time when He shall be known and adored from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same: when to Him every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess and the glad tidings of great joy shall be to all people, "Unto you is born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Hear and answer us, we beseech Thee, for His name's sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. |