Tonight at the Merchant Marine Academy on Kings Point, New York, I heard the enduring and ever new music of Christmas. Just the thing to make your heart sing. I had the Benediction:

Loving God, your love formed the sun, the moon and the stars,
the seas and all that dwell in them.
Of all your creation, you made us in your image,
and told us to care for what comes from your hand.
Be with us this night as we sing songs of praise.

We praise you for all you have made and all you have done,
Our minds and words can scarcely take it in.
In wonder, we stand in your holy presence.

You have given us life and gifts without measure,
Help us to use well the gifts we have.

At this time of the year the earth grows darker
And the seas can rage with storms.
In the dark we can lose our way
And storms can make us afraid.

And so, loving God, who made the earth, the sky, the sea,
care for us all.
You are the light that guides us,
the strength that sustains us,
the love that never fails.

Bless us, as you promised.
Bless us as you always do.
Bless all your creation
and all of us. Amen.

Fr. Victor Hoagland, CP
December 9, 2018