The Flame

A Publication of the Order of the Daughters of the King

Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida

Fourth Quarter 2025

THANKSGIVING DAY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27th

Thanksgiving Prayer, Book of Common Prayer

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

Prayers of Thanksgiving from Psalms:

Psalm 95 - "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods..."

Psalm 100 - "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 118:29 - "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 103:1-5 - "Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

Psalm 136:1-5 - "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. "

President's Message

Dear Daughters,

As we approach the season of Advent, let us take this opportunity to slow down and prepare for the true meaning of Christmas. Let's think about how we can be more generous to friends, family and community not by creating a long list of gifts to purchase with an unending "to do" list. Let's first think about God's generosity to us. How can we be grateful to Him not only at Advent but every day of our lives? God has given each of us gifts: let us use our gifts to serve Him gratefully. Let us listen for His call to us and ask, "Lord, what will you have me do?" And let us be a reflection of God's love to all whom we encounter! Simple acts of kindness letting our loved ones know how important they are to us and how grateful we are to those who have shaped our lives - these gifts are more precious than any of those expensive items on a long "to do" list, don't you think? Thank you all for your support and for the gift of being together in our cherished Sisterhood. I am forever grateful for you and to God for blessing us all as we continue together in our walk as followers of Christ as Daughters of the King. Have a Blessed Advent season!

FHS & Love,

Nadine

nadinekcraig@outlook.com

770-597-7454 call or text

ADVENT BEGINS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30th

Written and Updated by Bishop Justin Holcomb for Christianity.com

What is Advent? 2025 Guide to Meaning, History, Traditions | Christianity.com

Advent is a time of deep reflection and joyful anticipation. It is a season where believers prepare their hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look forward to His glorious return. In a world that often rushes past the sacred, Advent calls us to pause — to breathe in the peace of God and to remember the beauty of His promises. It is a time when we learn to wait with faith, trust with hope, and rejoice in the light that overcomes all darkness.

Each week of Advent represents a spiritual theme — hope, peace, joy, and love — and each one invites us to draw nearer to the heart of God.

1. Prayer for Hope

Advent begins with the candle of hope, a light that reminds us that God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

— Isaiah 9:2

Gracious God, as we begin this holy season of Advent, we turn our hearts toward hope. You are the light that shines in the darkness, and Your promises give us strength to carry on. When the days feel long and uncertain, help us to remember that You are working in ways we cannot see. Just as the prophets waited for the Messiah, teach us to wait with faith and confidence in Your Word. Fill our homes and our hearts with the assurance that Your timing is perfect. Let Your hope rise within us like the dawn, breaking through fear, sorrow, and doubt. Lord, we trust that the light of Christ will shine again — in our hearts, in our world, and in every place that needs Your touch. Amen.

2. Prayer for Peace

God’s peace is not simply the absence of trouble but the presence of His Spirit within us. Advent reminds us that true peace comes from knowing Christ.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:7

Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. In a world filled with noise, conflict, and fear, we come before You seeking rest for our weary souls. Teach us to be still and to trust in Your goodness. Let Your peace rule in our hearts, calming our thoughts and quieting our worries. As we prepare to celebrate Your coming, help us to bring peace into our homes, our relationships, and our communities. Replace anger with understanding, fear with faith, and chaos with calm. May Your peace dwell richly within us, reminding us that You are always near. Amen.

3. Prayer for Joy

Joy is more than a feeling — it is a deep confidence in God’s love and goodness. Advent invites us to rejoice in the coming of our Savior.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

— Philippians 4:4

Father, You are the source of all joy. In this Advent season, help us to rejoice even when life feels uncertain. Remind us that true joy is found not in the things we possess but in Your presence. When we grow weary, fill us with the joy of Your salvation. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude for all that You have done and all that You will do. May our lives reflect the joy of knowing Christ, who came to bring light to the world. Lord, let this joy flow through us and touch everyone we meet, reminding them of Your love and faithfulness. Amen.

4. Prayer for Love

Love is the foundation of Advent — it is the reason Christ came to earth. His love transforms hearts and brings light into the darkest places.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”

— John 3:16

Heavenly Father, Your love knows no bounds. You sent Your Son to show us what true love looks like — humble, sacrificial, and unconditional. As we reflect on that love this Advent season, help us to love others as You have loved us. Soften our hearts toward those in need, heal broken relationships, and teach us to forgive freely. Let Your love flow through us, bringing warmth to those who feel forgotten and peace to those who are hurting. Lord, may our lives be a reflection of the love that began in Bethlehem and continues to shine through the ages. Amen.

Membership Report

AS OF 11.15.2025

Senior Daughters (Chapter Affiliated) 913

Senior Daughters at Large 53

Junior Daughters 31

TOTAL 997

DIOCESAN FALL ASSEMBLY

The Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida held its Fall Assembly on Saturday, November 1st at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne. Ruth Foss, President of Province IV was the featured speaker. A large gathering of 190 Daughters participated; 30 departed Daughters were remembered. Rev. Rob Strenth, Rector of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Orlando was installed as the DOK Chaplain of the Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida.

Bishop Holcomb and Father Rob Strenth.

All 2025 Fall Assembly attendees.

CHRISTMAS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25th

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for

Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A Silent Night Prayer for Hope and Renewal

Dear Lord, as we recall the silent night in Bethlehem, we offer a prayer for hope and renewal. Just as the stars illuminated the night sky, may Your light guide us through times of darkness. Renew our spirits and instill hope in our hearts, knowing that Your love is a beacon of everlasting hope. Amen.

A Prayer for Joyful Christmas Celebrations

Dear Lord, as we celebrate this Christmas, fill our hearts with the joy of the season. Let the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Your Son, shine brightly in our lives. Help us to share this joy with others, to spread kindness, and to create memories filled with love and peace. May Your presence be felt in every gathering and may we always remember the gift of Your grace. Amen.

Reflecting on Christmas Blessings

Heavenly Father, as the world hustles, grant us a prayerful pause to reflect on Christmas blessings. Amid festivities, help us recognize the true gifts—love, family, and the presence of Christ. May our reflections deepen our gratitude for the abundant blessings You bestow upon us. Amen.

A Prayer for Gratitude

Dear Lord, as we gather in the glow of Christmas lights, we reflect on the greatest gift—the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the miracle of the Nativity and the boundless love embodied in this divine event. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and may the Christmas spirit inspire acts of kindness and love. Amen.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Apology to Our Sisters of the Resurrection Chapter,

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Longwood

This event was omitted from the last issue of the Flame.

Our Sisters of the Resurrection Chapter at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Longwood, held a Membership Event- "Afternoon Tea for Women and Young Ladies" on January 25, 2025. It was a blessed success!

Setup crew from Left to Right are:

Joyce Brock, a visiting Daughter; Janet Morris, Sandy Thompson, Karen DiSalvatore, Kim Hays, Andria Martin, Beth Pitts, Jill Chester, Nance Burroughs, Sue Jordan, Leslie Condoleo, our President; and Gay Taft.