Santa Claus.....

December 6th is the feast day of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra - one of the vicar's favourite saints (not just because he is Father Christmas - though partly and he did love seeing "Arthur Christmas" this week!!! ;-) ). We'll be praying this litany in church today.....

LITANY

O God, Creator of heaven and earth,
All    Have mercy on us.

O God, Redeemer of the world,

All    Have mercy on us.

O God, Sanctifier of the faithful,
All    Have mercy on us.

Blessed Mary, full of grace,
Blessed Joseph,
Blessed John the Baptist,
Blessed Lucy,
All holy women and men of God,

All    Pray with us.

Blessed Nicholas,
Holy Bishop of Myra,
Holy Saint in Bari,

All    Pray with us.

Nicholas: Patron of children and seafarers,
Gift-giver and Wonder-Worker,
Friend of the poor and needy,
Icon of gentleness and generosity,
Patron of Palestine’s freedom,
Model of meekness and charity,
Defender of the Christian Faith,
Myrrh of the fragrance of Christ,
Help of those who suffer wrong,
Faithful steward of the mysteries of God,
Guide of the penitent sinner,
Source of joy and thanksgiving,
Saint who points us to the Manger,

All    Pray with us.

Let us pray:
Grant that we,
aided by the prayers of St Nicholas and all the saints,
may be strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage
to live and work for the praise and glory of God,
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer,
and in our service to God’s people and God’s whole creation.
We ask this through Jesus the Messiah.

All    Amen.