Inspired by lyrics to Memory Makers, by Sue Riley.
“After the dazzle of Christmas, the holiday frazzle is past. Peace descends in the silent night, at last.”
We give thanks for the memory makers: the wise ones who shared with us the unforgettable moments that we treasure still.
We give thanks for the memory makers: the dear ones of Christmases past who kept alive their faith in the shining potential within us and who never lost faith in us.
We give thanks for the memory makers: the precious ones who loved us through the passage of time and kept alive for us the promises of a bright new year and sweet Christmases yet to be.
Thank You, God, and may we all be Memory Makers.
Resposive Reading for Sunday, December 31
The shepherds . . . went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them” (Lk. 2:19).
After the dazzle of Christmas, the holiday frazzle is past. Peace descends in the silent night, at last.
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him . . . . He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus . . . he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: ‘Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation . . . and glory” (Lk. 2:25-32).
We give thanks for the memory makers: the wise ones who shared with us the unforgettable moments that we treasure still.
Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the Temple. They “were amazed at what was said about him: and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined . . . to be a sign . . . so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk. 2:33-5).
We give thanks for the memory makers: the dear ones of Christmases past who kept alive their faith in the shining potential within us and who never lost faith in us.
“There was also a prophetess, Anna . . . . Advanced in years . . . . She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child . . . . The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:36-40).
We give thanks for the memory makers: the precious ones who loved us through the passage of time and kept alive for us the promises of a bright new year and sweet Christmases yet to be. Thank You, God, and may we all be Memory Makers.