The Incarnation, Nativity Sets and Hope
This can be listened to here
Gate Pa – Year A, First Sunday in Advent 2016
Readings:
Psalm Psalm: 122
First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44
What I want to say:
The first Sunday in Advent is about Hope. This Sunday we bless our
Nativity sets as symbols of hope. We will hear the story of St. Francis and the
first nativity crib at Greccio, and then wonder about hope.
What I want to
happen:
Share
stories of their nativities and what they represent to them.
The Sermon
1. Introduction: (ppt)
Now a days we take for granted the re-enactment of the first Christmas
we smoosh together the
stories of the gospels
children get act out
what happened
common place
but first time this
happened was not until around 1220
this morning want read
story of that first nativity re-enactment
small town of
Greccio in Italy.
as told by
Murray Bodo - Franciscan Friar and story teller
2. Of Greccio and the first Christmas Crib
from "Tales of St. Francis - ancient stories for
contemporary living" by Murray Bodo OFM (Doubleday 1988)
3. Hope
Advent is time we prepare for coming of Christ the
Crucified King
both at Christmas
and when reign God will fully comes among us.
coming marked by hope, peace, joy and love.
Today we focus on God's hope.
what hope does this story offer you
what hope does christmas offer
4. Incarnation
Christmas
is the story of ultimate hope
when
God the son, the Eternal Word
in
whom, and through whom, and for who all was created
became
one of us.
At Christmas
Given
time to reflect on Incarnation
when Christ’s divinity mingled with
our humanity
we are reminded that we too are made
in the image of God
we too at our heart hold divine
image of love in our hearts
and reflect on how
Christ’s humanity mingles with our divinity
we are invited to live as people invited
into the heart of God
That
should change everything
so
that despite all the evidence
we
are able to live in hope
5. Nativity Sets
invite
any who brought nativity sets up front
if
you want you can tell its story if you have one
how
this set reminds you of hope
6. Blessing of the sets
God of every nation and people,
from the very beginning of time,
you have been our hope
invited us into your peace
given us your joy
and shown us your love.
We give you thanks that in our
Saviour, Jesus Christ,
You remind us that all are made in
your image
and make known your way of justice, goodness
and loving-kindness.
Bless these nativity sets
in the name of God, Source of All Being,
Eternal Word and Holy Spirit
May they remind us of Jesus, born as
one of us.
As we see them in our homes,
may we be reminded to stop and give
thanks for the Incarnation
and to prepare room for Jesus to come
into our homes and hearts.
Give to us, we pray, your grace and
love, that in turn,
we might share your love and life with
everyone we meet.
We pray this in the name of the one
who became one of us
Amen.
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