Good Morning!
I hope you had a nice weekend and are ready for all the activities of the coming week! Since we have so many varied celebrations this week, I thought I’d share some prayers for each occasion. Notice the similarities – even in diversity, there is unity!
O Sweet Child of Bethlehem
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.
— Pope John XXIII
Blessings on the Menorah
The following two (or three) blessings are said before the menorah is lit.
First blessing:
Ba-ruch A-tah
Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav
ve-tzi-va-nu le-had-lik ner Cha-nu-kah.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us
with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
Second blessing:
Ba-ruch A-tah
Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-a-sa ni-sim la-avo-te-nu ba-ya-mim
ha-hem bi-zman ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for
our forefathers in those days, at this time.
Third blessing, recited only on the first night (or the first time lighting this Chanukah):
Ba-ruch A-tah
Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu
liz-man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life,
sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
A Kwanzaa Prayer
We give thanks to God for all the blessings of the earth, and honor for the great goodness which is manifest in all of creation. We ask that the spirit of Kwanzaa be infused into every aspect of our daily lives, that we may constantly remember the benefits and obligations of family, community and nationhood. May the light of the seven candles illuminate our daily affairs and guide us into fulfillment of our true potential. May we always remember our ancestors with reverence and love, and may they share with us their great wisdom and strength as we seek to preserve and continue the heritage they have left us. May the NGUZO SABA (The set of seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith) become beacons to us to live lives in service, humility, unity, faith, love and strength. Amen
May your holiday celebrations bring you untold joy, unique connections with those important to you, and peace beyond understanding!
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
Comments by lucinda