“ A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel: God with us.
”
COLLECT: Gracious God, you chose the virgin Mary, by your grace, to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour: so fill us with your grace, that with her we may rejoice in your salvation, and in all things embrace your will; 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.
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell: Archbishop of York.
Today’s Bible Readings
Fourth Sunday in Advent: Advent IV
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-16
Psalm: 80: 1-7, 17-19 ( A.P.B.A. page 307)
New Testament Reading: Romans 1: 1-7
Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25
Prayers For The World And The Church
For The World: We pray for a right spirit of peace and cooperation to overcome the spirit of hatred, bitterness, and division in all countries. We pray for relief of suffering of innocent victims in countries troubled by conflict and unrest. We pray for those citizens in The Ukraine as they prepare to endue a very bleak freezing winter with no heat for warmth. We pray for all those who are making a pilgrimage to Bethlehem at this time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
(We continue to pray for the unrest between Ukraine and Russia.)
Our Country: We pray for the communities of Tara and Chinchilla as they try and cope with the atrocity that has occurred in their communities. We pray for the police officers of Tara and Chinchilla; for our State Police Force as they mourn the lose of two fellow officers; for all within the Police Service affected: from the Police Commissioner down to the newest recruits of the Force. We pray for and remember all Police Chaplains throughout our state as they pastorally care to the Qld Police Force at this time.
World Wide Anglican Community: The Anglican Church of Korea: for the Archbishop, bishops, clergy and people.
The Anglican Church of Australia: For the Diocese of North Queensland: Keith Joseph - Bishop; clergy and people.
Our Diocese: The Parish of The Brisbane Valley: Loretta Tyler-Moss -parish priest and people.
Diocesan Schools: Springfield Anglican College, Springfield. Principal, chaplain, administration team, college council, teachers and staff, students and families.
Defence Force Anglicans: We pray for all members of the Australian Defence Force, what ever part of the Force they serve in. We pray for those who are separated from their loved ones as this time of Christmas celebrations: for those serving on deployment on foreign lands, for those serving in embassies and high commissions.
Our Parish: We pray for our Christmas preparations. We give thanks for those who prepare our place of worship this week as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
Our Community: We pray for our community as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. For those who are travelling at this time to be with family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate. But may the true reason for the celebrations at this time not be forgotten.
Other Denominations Within Our Community: We pray for all denominations across the peninsula as they make preparations to celebrate Christmas; and share in proclaiming the good news of the birth of our
Saviour.
Those Seeking Healing: Sherryl, Ken, Clare, Anita, Noah, Dorothy, Julian
Those Mourning: For those who mourn the death of a loved one at this time.
For the families of the police officers as they mourn the loss of a son and daughter, a brother and sister; and for the police force and communities of Tara and Chinchilla as they mourn the loss of two police officers.
Departed:
Years Minds:
Next Week’s Bible Readings
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9: 2-7 / Isaiah 62: 6-12
Psalm: 96 (A.P.B.A. page 323) / 97 (A.P.B.A. page 324)
New Testament Reading: Titus 2: 11-14 / Titus 3: 4-8a
Gospel: Luke 2: 1-20