Bethlen Naptár, 1945 (Ligonier)
Dr. William Toth: Five Seasonal Prayers
142. OLDAL BETHLEN NAPTÁR AZ 1945-IK ESZTENDŐRE for the coming of the Redeemer that we might be redeemed to a life ever to be realized. We long for the birth of His beauty and goodness and truth upon the face of a world now laid waste by the ugliness of human avarice. We pray for His great day dawning in the hearts everywhere, the eternal advent of Christ triumphant. To this end, O God, gather Thy people into Thy house in this season. Let the voice of Thy messenger ring with clarity and recall Thy people to make straight their ways and the rough roads smooth. Rebuke the wayward; arouse the indifferent ; send the warmth of Thy redeeming love into hearts grown cold. And upon those who serve Thee with gladness and continually come into Thy presence with singing shed forth the power of Thy grace to increase their witness. Amidst all temptations may we stand fast in the faith unto the coming day. Through Christ. Amen. Advent II Almighty God, who art our Father through Jesus Christ! Our hearts this advent morning swell with rejoicing and our eyes gleam with the light of expectancy. For behold, Thou didst not hide Thyself in the abyss of eternity nor didst Thou hush Thy voice before the children of men. Like a morning star through a cloud Thou didst in all ages shine in the hearts of Thy chosen ones. Thou didst send prophets and seers to prepare the way of Thy full and glorious releation in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Again we focus our eyes on Him, our Father, that we may know Thee more. In Him we see the rock of all ages: all flesh is grass and all its goodliness only flower that vanish as the wind of time blows over them: Thy word .alone stands forever. Christ reveals thé beauty of Thy world; He undergirds our faith in the dignity of man; in Him we know the worth of Thy children. Christ shows us how Thou dost think and feel towards us. His countenance reflects the love and goodness in Thee, 0 Eternal, who dost not desire the death of the wicked, but rather that they sould turn from their way and live. Our hearts are made glad by the tidings He brings. , We bless Thee, 0 Father, that through Christ Thou dost come with strong hand and with an arm bent upon ruling out passions that so often run away with our best insights. We bless Thee that He comes as a shep herd to feed His flock, to gather His lambs with His arm and carry them in His bosom and gently to lead those that have been entrusted with young ones. We
