PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN

MYSTIC OF THE PASSION; FAITHFUL WIFE AND MOTHER, PILGRIM OF CHRIST

Please enter the devotional prayer chapel with a few moments of silence. Quiet your thoughts, and put yourself in the Presence of Almighty God. May holy Saint Bridget of Sweden help you in your pilgrimage towards holiness. This prayer chapel highlights Saint Bridget's distinctive spirituality: contemplation of the Passion of Christ, holiness in marriage and family life, fidelity to the Church, charity, prayer, pilgrimage, and unwavering trust in God's providence. Saint Bridget was a mystic who founded the Bridgettines. Outside Sweden, she was also known as the Princess of Nericia. She was the mother of Catherine of Vadstena. Saint Bridget is one of the six patron saints of Europe. The Fifteen Prayers of Saint Bridget form a worthy devotion.

Theme: Love of Christ Crucified, prayer, holiness in family life, discernment of God's Will, charity, and perseverance in faith.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint Bridget of Sweden to follow You faithfully as a loving wife, devoted mother, wise counsellor, and humble servant of Your Church. Through prayer and contemplation of Your Sacred Passion, she came to know the depths of Your infinite ove and mercy.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to her honour, open our hearts to Your Presence. Teach us to seek You in prayer, to meditate upon Your Passion, to love our families with generous hearts, and to serve Your Church with humility and fidelity.

May the prayers of Saint Bridget strengthen our faith and lead us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me."

Reflection

Saint Bridget of Sweden lived an extraordinary life of faith while fulfilling the ordinary duties of marriage and motherhood. Together with her husband, she raised a family rooted in Christian love and charity. After his death, she dedicated herself completely to God through prayer, works of mercy, and service to the Church.

The Lord entrusted Saint Bridget with profound spiritual insights into His Passion, reminding the world of the immeasurable love revealed through His suffering and death. Her prayers continue to inspire countless believers to contemplate the Cross and to grow in deeper union with Christ.

Saint Bridget teaches us that holiness begins with faithful love in daily life. Through prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God, every home can become a place where Christ is welcomed and served. She reminds us that the Cross is never the end of the journey, but the path that leads to the joy of the Resurrection.

LITANY OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN

Response: Pray for us.

Saint Bridget, faithful servant of Jesus Christ,

Response

Saint Bridget, devoted wife and loving mother,

Response

Saint Bridget, woman of deep prayer,

Response

Saint Bridget, contemplative of Christ's Passion,

Response

Saint Bridget, faithful daughter of the Church,

Response

Saint Bridget, devotee of the Holy Eucharist,

Response

Saint Bridget, example of charity,

Response

Saint Bridget, guide for Christian families,

Response

Saint Bridget, faithful pilgrim of Christ,

Response

Saint Bridget, comforter of the suffering,

Response

Saint Bridget, teacher of prayer,

Response

Saint Bridget, humble servant of God's Will,

Response

Saint Bridget, intercessor for peace,

Response

Saint Bridget, patroness of Europe,

Response

Saint Bridget, faithful witness of hope,

Response

Saint Bridget of Sweden, pray for us.

Prayer for Love of Christ

"Saint Bridget, whose heart was filled with love for the suffering Christ, pray that we may never take for granted the immeasurable gift of His Passion.

Teach us to spend time each day in prayer before the Crucified Lord. Help us to carry our crosses with patience, to unite our sufferings with His, and to trust that His mercy is greater than every sorrow.

May our hearts become ever more like the Heart of Jesus—filled with compassion, forgiveness, humility and love.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint Bridget, faithful wife and loving mother, intercede for our families and communities.

Pray that our homes may become places of prayer, kindness and forgiveness. Strengthen married couples in faithful love, guide parents in wisdom, and inspire children to grow in faith and holiness.

Intercede for our Church, our communities and our nations. May leaders seek justice, Christians remain faithful to the gospel, and all people work together for peace and charity.

Lead many souls to know the love of Jesus Christ, the comfort of His Blessed Mother, and the patronage of holy Saint Joseph.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"O God, You gave Saint Bridget of Sweden the grace to contemplate the mysteries of Christ's Passion and to serve Your Church with wisdom, courage and love.

Grant that, through her prayers, we may grow in holiness through faithful prayer, loving service, and complete trust in Your Divine Providence.

May our families become schools of faith, our hearts become dwelling places for Your grace, and our lives become joyful witnesses to the gospel.

Bring us at last to the everlasting happiness of heaven, where, together with Saint Bridget and all the saints, we shall praise You forever.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Saint Bridget of Sweden; pray for us.

Jesus, King of Mercy; we trust in You.

Our Lady, Mother of the Church; pray for us.

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church; pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN

The Novena to Saint Bridget of Sweden is a time of prayer, reflection and deeper union with Jesus Christ. Through her powerful intercession, we ask for a greater love of the Passion of Christ, holiness in our families, perseverance in prayer, wisdom in following God's Will, and hearts filled with charity and peace.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, through Your infinite goodness You gave the Church Saint Bridget of Sweden as a faithful witness of prayer, family holiness and love for the Passion of Your Son.

You inspired her to contemplate the suffering of Jesus and to proclaim His mercy to the world. Through her life of prayer, sacrifice and charity, she became a beacon of hope and a faithful servant of Your Church.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of Saint Bridget, grant me the grace to love You more deeply, to meditate often upon Your Sacred Passion, and to follow You faithfully each day of my life.

Saint Bridget of Sweden, faithful servant of Christ, I confidently ask for your loving intercession.

(Here mention your intention.)

If it is God's Holy Will, obtain for me the favour I now seek.

Help me to persevere in prayer, to love my family generously, to serve others with humility, and to trust completely in God's loving Providence.

Pray for the Church, for families, for those who suffer, for those who have lost hope, and for all who seek the peace of Christ.

Lead me always closer to Jesus and His Blessed Mother, that one day I may rejoice with you in the eternal happiness of heaven.

I thank you, dear Saint Bridget, for your loving prayers and entrust myself completely to the mercy of Almighty God.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Saint Bridget of Sweden revelations"

PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT RITA OF CASCIA

 

SAINT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE; MODEL OF FORGIVENESS, FOLLOWER OF CHRIST

Please enter the devotional prayer chapel with a few moments of silence. Quiet your thoughts, and put yourself in the Presence of Almighty God. May holy Saint Rita of Cascia help you in your pilgrimage towards holiness. This prayer chapel highlights Saint Rita of Cascia's distinctive spirituality; forgiveness, patient endurance, family holiness, trust amid suffering, prayer, peace and confidence in God's Power to bring hope even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Theme: Trust in God, forgiveness, perseverance in suffering, peace in families, holiness through ordinary life, and hope in difficult circumstances.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint Rita of Cascia to follow You faithfully through every season of life. As a loving wife, devoted mother, faithful widow and devout religious sister, she embraced every joy and sorrow with unwavering trust in Your Divine Will.

Through her life of prayer, forgiveness and patient suffering united to Your Holy Cross, she became a shining witness of Your mercy and peace.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to her honour, fill our hearts with the grace to forgive as You forgive, to persevere through every trial, and to trust that nothing is impossible for those who place their hope in You.

May Saint Rita lead us ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:12

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer."

Reflection

Saint Rita's life was marked by many hardships. She endured an unhappy marriage with remarkable patience, responded to violence with forgiveness, and raised her children with faith and love. After the death of her husband and sons, she entered the convent, where she dedicated the remainder of her life to prayer, humility and service.

Her love for Christ was so profound that she received a wound on her forehead from one of the thorns of His Crown, sharing in His suffering with quiet humility.

Saint Rita teaches us that holiness is not found in an easy life, but in trusting God through every difficulty. She reminds us that forgiveness heals wounded hearts, prayer transforms suffering into grace, and God's Love can accomplish what seems impossible.

Through her example, we learn to place every burden into the hands of Jesus, knowing that He is always faithful.

LITANY OF SAINT RITA OF CASCIA

Response: Pray for us.

Saint Rita of Cascia, faithful servant of Jesus Christ,

Response

Saint Rita, loving wife and devoted mother,

Response

Saint Rita, model of forgiveness,

Response

Saint Rita, woman of constant prayer,

Response

Saint Rita, patient in suffering,

Response

Saint Rita, religious sister,

Response

Saint Rita, lover of the Holy Cross,

Response

Saint Rita, humble servant of God,

Response

Saint Rita, comforter of the sorrowful,

Response

Saint Rita, advocate in impossible causes,

Response

Saint Rita, peacemaker within families,

Response

Saint Rita, example of perseverance,

Response

Saint Rita, faithful disciple of Christ,

Response

Saint Rita, consolation of the afflicted,

Response

Saint Rita, patroness of impossible situations,

Response.

Prayer for Hope and Healing

Saint Rita, faithful disciple of Christ and compassionate friend of those who suffer, pray for us before the throne of God.

Intercede for all who carry heavy burdens, those facing illness, broken relationships, grief, anxiety or situations that seem beyond human hope.

Obtain for us the grace to trust in God's loving Providence. Help us to forgive those who have hurt us, to remain faithful during times of suffering, and to believe that Christ is always working for our good.

May the Lord heal our wounds, strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with His peace.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint Rita, who knew both the joys and sorrows of family life, intercede for our homes and communities.

Pray for married couples, that they may remain faithful in love. Bless parents with wisdom and patience as they guide their children in faith. Bring healing where relationships have been broken and reconciliation where there is division.

Pray for widows, widowers, those who live alone, and all who carry hidden sorrows.

May our homes become places of prayer, forgiveness, kindness and peace, where Christ is honoured above all things.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"Almighty God, You gave Saint Rita the grace to persevere through suffering with unwavering faith and to forgive with a heart transformed by Your Love.

Grant that, through her prayers, we may trust You in every trial, love without counting the cost, forgive from the heart, and remain steadfast in prayer.

May we never lose hope, even when our burdens seem impossible, but always remember that all things are possible with You.

Bring us one day to the joy of Your heavenly Kingdom, where, together with Saint Rita and all the saints, we shall praise You forever.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen." 

Saint Rita of Cascia; pray for us.

Jesus, King of Mercy; we trust in You.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace;  pray for us.

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church;  pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT RITA OF CASCIA

The Novena to Saint Rita of Cascia is a time of prayer, hope and complete trust in God. Through her powerful intercession, we ask for strength in times of suffering, peace within our families, healing of wounded hearts, forgiveness, perseverance in faith, and God's grace in situations that seem impossible.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, in Your infinite wisdom You gave us Saint Rita of Cascia as a radiant example of patience, forgiveness and unwavering trust.

Through every sorrow she remained faithful to Jesus Christ. Through every trial she embraced Your Holy Will. Through every hardship she became a witness to the transforming power of Your Love.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of Saint Rita, grant me the grace to place all my confidence in You. Help me to forgive as You forgive, to persevere through suffering with hope, and to seek Your Will above all else.

Saint Rita of Cascia, faithful servant of God, I confidently ask for your loving intercession.

(Here mention your intention.)

If it is God's Holy Will, obtain for me the favour I now seek.

Help me to carry my daily crosses with patience, to love those who are difficult to love, to pray with perseverance, and never to lose hope in God's mercy.

Intercede for my family, my loved ones, those who are sick, those who mourn, and all who feel overwhelmed by life's burdens.

Lead me always to Jesus Christ, so that one day I may rejoice with you in the everlasting happiness of heaven.

I thank you, dear Saint Rita, for your loving prayers, and entrust myself completely to the mercy of Almighty God.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "St Rita of Cascia before crucifix"

SAINT AUGUSTINE; MIRACLES ARE NOT CONTRARY TO NATURE

 

Saint Augustine of Hippo;

"Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature." 

                                                                         The City of God, XXI, 8

Reflection by Reverend Catherine Nicolette:

Today's world often separates faith from science, as though one must choose between reason and belief. Yet St Augustine, writing more than sixteen centuries ago, offered a profound insight that remains remarkably relevant: "Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature." His words invite us to humility before the mystery of God's creation, and to deeper appreciation of both faith and reason.

Boundaries of human understanding

At first glance, a miracle appears to violate the natural order. The blind receive sight, dead are raised, water becomes wine, and storms are calmed by a single command. Human reason naturally asks, "How can this be?" Augustine does not dismiss such questions. Instead, he reminds us that our knowledge is limited. What we call "impossible" often reflects the boundaries of human understanding, rather than the boundaries of God's power.

God can introduce an unexpected chapter

Nature itself is God's creation. The laws that govern the universe are not independent of God, but are expressions of His Wisdom and Providence. When God performs a miracle, He is not contradicting His own creation; rather, He is acting within it as its Creator. Just as an author can introduce an unexpected chapter into a novel without contradicting the story, God can act in extraordinary ways within His creation, without violating its deepest purpose.

Miracles reveal God's loving Presence

Throughout Scripture, miracles are never performed merely to astonish. They reveal God's loving Presence. When Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, or forgave sinners, His miracles pointed beyond themselves to the coming of the Kingdom of God. They were signs of Divine Compassion and invitations to faith. The miracle was never simply the restoration of a body; it was the restoration of a relationship with God.

Wonder of God's Presence

Saint Augustine's insight also challenges our understanding of everyday life. If God's Wisdom permeates all creation, then every sunrise, every child born, every seed that becomes a tree, every act of forgiveness is itself a wonder. Familiarity often blinds us to the extraordinary beauty woven into ordinary existence. The greatest miracle may not be one that suspends natural processes, but one that opens our hearts to recognise God's continual Presence in the world.

Science and creation

Modern science has greatly expanded our knowledge of the universe. We understand galaxies, genetics, and quantum physics in ways unimaginable to previous generations. Yet every new discovery also reveals how much remains unknown. The deeper science explores creation, the more profound its mysteries become. Saint Augustine's observation therefore remains strikingly contemporary. Human knowledge continues to grow, but it never exhausts the infinite wisdom of God.

Personal dimension to miracles

There is also a personal dimension to miracles. Many people pray for physical healing, and God sometimes grants remarkable recoveries. Yet perhaps the greatest miracles occur quietly within the human heart: the sinner who repents, the addict who finds freedom, the broken family that is reconciled, the person overwhelmed by despair who discovers hope in Christ. These transformations cannot always be measured by scientific instruments, but they bear witness to the powerful action of Divine grace.

Resurrection stands as supreme miracle

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the supreme miracle of the Christian faith. It is not merely an exception to the natural order but the revelation of a new creation. In the risen Christ, God discloses that death is not the final word. What seemed impossible became the foundation of Christian hope. The Resurrection teaches us that God's purposes extend far beyond the limits of our present understanding.

Scientific discovery

Saint Augustine therefore calls believers to intellectual humility and spiritual confidence. We need not fear scientific discovery, for truth can never contradict truth. Every authentic insight into creation ultimately reflects the Wisdom of its Creator. At the same time, we should never imagine that human knowledge can fully comprehend the infinite mystery of God.

Miracle of God's sustenance of His world

As we journey through life, we may not always witness spectacular miracles. Yet if we cultivate the eyes of faith, we begin to recognise God's Hand in the ordinary rhythms of creation, in unexpected moments of grace, and in the quiet transformation of hearts. The miracle is not that God occasionally enters His world; the miracle is that He has never ceased to sustain it with His love.

Let us therefore pray for wisdom to recognise God's Presence, humility to acknowledge the limits of our understanding, and faith to trust that God Who created nature, is always capable of revealing His glory in ways that surpass our expectations.

Prayer

"Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth, You are the source of all wisdom, and the Author of all creation. Open our minds to seek truth with humility, and our hearts to receive Your grace with faith. Help us to recognise Your Presence not only in extraordinary miracles, but also in the quiet wonders of everyday life. May we trust in Your Providence, rejoice in the mystery of Your Love, and proclaim with confidence that nothing is impossible for You. Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen."

The Greatest Miracle

"Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature." - Poem inspired by the words of St Augustine

The dawn unfolds with crimson light,
As stars surrender to the night;
Each flower wakes beneath the sun - 
A whispered work of God well done.

The robin's song, the ocean's tide,
The mountain standing far and wide
The tiny seed that breaks the sod -
All speak the silent Voice of God.

The babe that smiles in mother's care,
The breath of life, the answered prayer;
The healing touch, the heart made new -
These are the wonders God can do.

No miracle denies His plan,
Nor breaks the laws He gave to man;
They simply lift the veil a while
To show His Wisdom's hidden smile.

When storms arise and hope grows dim,
We place our weary trust in Him;
For every cross we bear today,
He walks beside us on the way.

The blind may see, the lame may stand,
The weak grow strong by God's own Hand;
Yet greater still than these we find,
The grace that heals the human mind.

A heart once hard now learns to care,
A soul returns through humble prayer;
Forgiveness blooms where hate had trod -
The sweetest miracle of God.

Each day He fills our cup anew,
With mercies bright as morning dew;
In joy and sorrow, loss and gain,
His faithful love shall still remain.

Yet all these wonders gently say,
They point beyond this earthly day;
For life on earth, though rich and fair,
Prepares us for a home more rare.

The greatest miracle by far,
Outshines the brightest morning star;
That those who walk the path of grace,
Shall one day see God's holy Face.

No tear shall fall, no night remain,
No wound shall know its sting again;
The saints shall sing with one accord,
Within the kingdom of the Lord.

There every joy shall overflow,
More than our earthly hearts can know;
Love's endless song shall fill the sky,
Where death itself has learned to die.

No sun shall light that blessed shore,
For Christ shall shine for evermore;
The Lamb shall be our light above,
The living flame of endless love.

So let us journey day by day,
With faithful hearts upon the way;
For every miracle we see,
Is but a glimpse of what shall be.

When all our earthly years have flown,
And God shall call us to His throne;
The greatest wonder will unfold -
A home more precious far than gold.

Then in His glorious light we'll stand,
Forever safe within His Hand;
To praise the Father, Spirit, Son -
Our everlasting life begun.

For every miracle below,
Is but a seed God bids us sow;
Its fullest bloom we then shall see,
In Heaven through eternity.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Throne of God"

BLOW TO THE FACE OF CHRIST

 

JOHN 18

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.

20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely they know what I said.”

22 When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck Him in the Face. “Is this the way You answer the high priest?” he demanded.

23 “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike Me?” 24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

The Blow Upon His Holy Face

Before the court our Saviour stood,
The Lord of mercy, truth and good.
No angry answer did He give,
But showed us how God's saints should live.

An officer with cruel hand,
Struck Christ, Who at the trial did stand.
With quiet strength Jesus stood there,
Endured the shame with patient care

The Saviour spoke with quiet grace,
No trace of vengeance marked His Face:
"If I have spoken words untrue,
Then show the wrong that I did do.

"But if the truth My Lips have said,
Why strike My Face?" the Saviour pled.
Yet still He bore the shame and pain,
To cleanse our hearts from sin's dark stain.

How often little wounds we bear,
Of harsh rebuke or pain unfair.
Misjudged by those who cannot see,
Or burdened by adversity.

A thoughtless word, a cold disdain,
A hidden grief, a quiet pain;
These lesser crosses come our way,
To meet us in life's passing day.

Then let us bear them patiently,
With humble hearts and charity.
For every trial, great and small,
Can draw us nearer Christ, our All.

United to our suffering King,
Our tears become an offering;
For He who wore the crown of thorn,
Will raise our hearts to Heaven's morn.

O Lord, when trials fill our days,
Teach us to walk in all Your ways;
To bear each cross with faith and love,
Until we dwell with You above.

Image by CN Whittle

CANAANITE WOMAN OF FAITH

 

Canaanite woman of faith

A Canaanite came from afar,
Led onward by faith's guiding star;
She sought the Lord with earnest plea,
"Have mercy, Lord, O pity me!

"Great Son of David, hear my cry!
Do not, dear Lord, just pass me by;
My daughter suffers day and night,
Oppressed by evil's fearful might."

At first the Saviour answered not,
Yet still she trusted, faltered not!
She knelt before His gracious Face,
And sought His loving help and grace.

"My Lord," she said, "I know Your power;
Please help my child this very hour."
The Saviour drew her faith to light,
Till all could see its wondrous might.

"It is not right," the Master said,
"To take the children's daily bread,
And cast it to the dogs instead,"
Yet still in faith she bowed her head.

"Yes, Lord," she answered, meek and wise,
"Yet little dogs beneath arise;
To gather crumbs that gently fall,
From tables rich enough for all."

Then Jesus smiled with joy untold;
Her steadfast faith was strong as gold.
"O woman, great your faith has proved!
Your humble trust has deeply moved."

That very hour her child was free;
Christ triumphed o'er the enemy.
The Saviour's mighty word brought peace,
Thus all her daughter's pain did cease.

So when our trials seem too great,
Let faith, not fear, direct our fate.
For those who seek the Lord above
Will find His mercy, power and love.

Image by CN Whittle

WISE MEN FROM THE EAST

 

                                                                                    Freepik

MATTHEW 2

Wise Men from the East

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

The Wise Men and the King

From eastern lands the wise men came,
To seek the Child of holy fame;
A shining star through darkest night,
Led onward by its brilliant light.

Across the hills, through desert sand,
They journeyed to the promised Land;
With faithful hearts they sought God's Son,
The long-promised and Anointed One.

They found the Child with Mary there,
In quiet peace and humble care.
They bowed before His sacred Face,
Their hearts made glad by boundless grace.

Gold and resins they gifted there,
Precious gifts offered with loving care;
No earthly throne their eyes did meet,
Yet still they worshipped at Christ's Feet.

The little Jesus raised His eyes,
With love that reached beyond the skies;
He looked on each with tender grace,
A smile of mercy lit His face.

Though but a Child, He knew each heart,
And loved them from the very start.
The Light that shone from His great grace,
Shone brightly in that humble place.

So may we too seek our holy King,
And grateful hearts before Him bring.
May we be faithful to God's Son,
Who victory over death has won.

I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES

 

John 15

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in My Name the Father will give you. 17 This is My command: Love each other.

The True Vine

O Jesus, Lord, the Living Vine,
Whose grace and love through branches shine;
Apart from You our strength must cease,
Our hearts know neither joy nor peace.

No branch can bloom by will alone,
Nor bear the fruit that heaven has known;
Your living sap, so rich and free,
Flows through the soul that trusts in Thee.

By faith we're grafted to Your Side,
In You we live, in You abide;
Your Spirit fills each willing heart,
And gives us grace to do our part.

Then clusters fair begin to grow,
As heaven's living blessings flow;
Like ripened grapes on autumn's vine,
They speak of love and life Divine.

Their sweetness feeds the faint with cheer,
Brings hope to hearts weighed down by fear;
They strengthen all who taste Your grace,
And draw the lost to seek Your Face.

So prune us, Lord, with loving hand,
To flourish by Your wise command;
Though pruning brings a passing pain,
It yields a richer, sweeter gain.

Until that glorious final day,
When earth and shadow fade away;
We'll hear the words our hearts have sought:
"My friends, well done - you lacked for naught."

No richer gift could we receive,
No greater joy could hearts conceive -
Than Christ to call us, face to Face,
His friends for all eternal days.

Images by CN Whittle