6th Day of Christmas

December 30

Feast Day of Francis Joseph Gaudet (1861 – 1934). Gaudet was born to a mother of Native American descent and an enslaved father. She was a young mother who worked as a seamstress, but dedicated her life to social work and prison reform.  In 1894, she began holding prayer meetings for black prisoners and worked for legislative reform. Eventually, she created a safe haven for young offenders on her farm. In 1902 Francis founded the Colored Normal and Industrial School, which eventually sprawled across 105 acres. On the property, she set up an orphanage and a boarding school for children with working mothers. Francis Joseph-Gaudet's autobiography is entitled He Leadeth Me.

 

Reading: “ Praise the Lord, O my soul; I will praise the LORD all my life." Read Psalm 146

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Collect: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; 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..

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Pray the Jesus Prayer for 5 minutes focusing on  Jesus as the Son of God: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” (See John Michael Talbot explain the Jesus Prayer Part 5) 

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Make Merry:

• Gratitude Journal: Write 3 things for which you are grateful.

• Make music: Write a song or break out your instruments! If you don’t play an instrument, play your favorite album and have a dance party. 

• Gather around a mirror and  notice family resemblances. What characteristics are shared and what is unique? Use a dry erase marker and write "Image Bearer" on your mirror. (Thanks to International Anglican Church for this fun idea!) 

• When you look in the mirror or at others in the zoom screen, be mindful of  the image of God.

• Make Six Geese a-laying. Post it with #12TideCbus

 

Ancient Text Reflection:

Nativity Homily from St. Isaac the Syrian (613-700 AD)

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This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world;

So let no one threaten;

This is the night of the Most Gentle One -

Let no one be cruel;

This is the night of the Humble One -

Let no one be proud.

Now is the day of joy –

Let us not seek revenge;

Now is the day of Good Will -

Let us not be mean.

In this Day of Peace -

Let us not be conquered by anger.

 

Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;

So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.

Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;

So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.

This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;

Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.

Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,

In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.