Communal Sacred Reading for Monday, December 11, 8:00am

 Lectio Divina Procedure

1st reading:  Read:  Listen for the overall sense of the passage.  Share a word or phrase that seems to “light up” or makes the passage come alive for you.

2nd reading: Reflect-. What most captures your attention as you listen? Share a message or question from God you are hearing.

3rd reading:  Respond-  What are you moved to say to God in response to what you are hearing? Share a prayer of intention, thanksgiving, or concern that rises within you.

Silence: Rest in God- Make room to listen to God speaking in your heart beyond words.

Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Advent  Matthew 1:18-25

    18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Lord's Prayer  (recited together)

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory. Amen.

Closing Prayer

God of promise,
you have given us a sign of your love
through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
who was promised from ages past.
We believe as Joseph did
the message of your presence
whispered by an angel,
and offer our prayers for your world,
confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.