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Scripture

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.

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Reflection

Stable of Bethlehem

Space of tenderness, home of hospitality;
To an anxious couple in search of shelter
To a new-born child fragile and vulnerable
To poor shepherds on the margins of town and society
To searching Magi, believing in the promise of the star.

As we rejoice in God-with-us
May we become Bethlehem spaces
Open to receive and embrace
the fragile, the vulnerable, the displaced;
in ourselves
in one another
in our world.

Christmas
Stillness of God, whisper of love
Breath of God, quiet mystery
Light of God, holy wisdom
Shadow of God, birth of mercy

May God be with us in tenderness
and love this Christmas.


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Prayer
​

Heavenly Father,
help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds
and the worship of the Wise Men.
Close the door of hate and open the door
of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every
gift and every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessings that Christ brings.
May Christmas morning make us
jubilant to be your children
and Christmas evening find us
filled with grateful thoughts,
forgiven and forgiving,
bringing love,
peace and joy to all we meet.

Amen.


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​
Music

Silent Night performed by The Priests in the Church of Holy Rosary featuring the nativity scene from the Stained Glass window. ​
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Archdiocese of Armagh
Diocese of Clogher
Derry Diocese
Diocese of Down & Connor
Diocese of Dromore
Diocese of Kilmore
​Diocese of Raphoe