December 18, 2020
In just a week, we will celebrate the coming of Jesus, the light born into the darkness of our world. This year the darkness seems particularly deep as we walk through the Coronavirus and, for us here in the Dayton community, the number of homicides. There are 5 homicides to report to you today. All were the result of gun violence. The victims we remember are: Dec. 4th - William Bruce (age not given); Dec. 9th - Don'O Barksdale, 36, Lori Sue Ave.; Dec. 11th - Austin Newell, 41, Leo St.; Dec. 13th - Trammel Johnson Jr, 17, East Hudson; Dec. 15th - Adam Whited, 42, West Third St. Christmas is meant to be a season of light and of hope for we believe that God so loved the world as to give his only begotten son so that we might have life in all its fullness. And so we join in prayer believing in the Light of Christ, the Hope of the nations. Also remember in your prayers, Br. Jim Facette, SM who died this week. Jim was a gentle presence at many of our vigils. SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; in a land of deep darkness a light will shine. (Isaiah 9:2) What came to be through [Jesus] was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4 & 5) Live as children of light for light produces every kind of righteousness and truth. (Ephesians 5: 8b) PETITONS: Emmanuel, God with us, remember your word to your servants by which you made us hope. This is our comfort in sorrow that your promises give us life. Hear our prayers. • We pray for William, Don'O, Austin, Trammel, Adam and Richard who met death so suddenly and violently. GRANT THEM PEACE WITH YOU • We pray for their families and all who mourn them. GRANT THEM COMFORT • We pray for the perpetrators. GRANT THEM MERCY AND JUSTICE • We pray for police officers and investigators. GRANT THE WISDOM AND THE ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES FAITHFULLY AND COMPASSIONATELY • We pray for our world suffering from this current pandemic and many forms of death and violence. GRANT US HEALING God, who so loved us that you sent your Son to walk among us, look with compassion on your grieving people. Let the darkness that threatens to overwhelm us give way to the LIGHT of your love rejoicing all hearts. May we be people of light to our families and all those whom we encounter during this holy season and the in the year of hope that lies before us. We make this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.